16 Sep 2019

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Tshekedi Khama has underscored the importance of national archives and records facilities.

Officially closing the 25 biennial Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) in Gaborone, Minister Tshekedi said governments recognised the remarkable efforts made in improving the status of archives and records management in the region through strategic collaborations.

He said they also recognised efforts made by member countries and individuals in ensuring archives and records management reached a respectable level.

Minister Khama noted that failure to observe proper management of records in government and public entities has the potential to adversely constrain the impetus of public or organisational productivity and growth.

He applauded the ESARBICA member states for hosting a successful conference despite challenges.

He challenged them to continue to aim to outdo themselves in research, training and development, adding that they should confront the problems that beset archives and records management development within the region and abroad.

Held every two years, the 26th ESARBICA conference will be hosted in Mozambique in 2021 and at the same year Botswana will be acceding to the presidency of the body. The 25th biennial conference was held under the theme; Archives and Records: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - Celebration of Golden Jubilee. ENDS