Changing Landscapes: The University Archive in a New South Africa

Abstract

This article explores both a redefinition of the role of the university
archive in civil society and fresh perspectives on its changing role.
The process of change in the university archives due to changes in
societal landscapes is also presented. University archives in South
Africa do not have a long history of existence, as they only started
operating as separate divisions in most tertiary institutions in the late
60’s. At some universities they still function as a part of the university
libraries. The experience of Wits University Archives is used as a
case study to show its role in preserving history of this academic
institution as well as its involvement in the preservation of national
history. Wits Archives can be proud of being the oldest university
archives in South Africa and also keeps very valuable and internationally
known paper collections. Students and academics of this
institution were always actively involved in shaping the university and
also national history. During the last few years the focus of the
student population has changed and therefore the role of archives
and its approach towards these changes should also be different. The
article addresses some of the important issues concerning the
functioning of Wits University Archives and the strategies it has
employed to move away from the traditional role as a pure keeper of
University history.