Managing records in networked environment using EDRMS applications: a case study of Rand Water

Abstract

Rand Water was founded in 1903 at the conclusion of the Anglo Boer War and has a very rich history as an organisation. Founded with the sole purpose to provide clean water to domestic and industry needs in the greater Johannesburg and Witwatersrand area, at that time, it then became part of the bigger body of bulk water supply entities in 1997 as guided by the Water Services Act of 1997. In consideration of the date that Rand Water was founded, its records pre-date it by ten years as its oldest archives date back to 1893 with correspondence about the setting up of smaller, fractional water supply authorities. Evolution of the organisation as it grew brought new ways of managing its records and archives. The impetus towards new approaches to managing records and ensuring archival compliance in accordance with standards was propelled by the relevant legislation as approved by Government and internationally adopted standards. This article is based on the experiences of the authors and attempts to navigate through the records management and archival story of Rand Water representing water sector challenges and opportunities that organisations such as this are faced with in consideration of the ever-improving technologies and strategies at their disposal.