Rector designate opens new UWC Archives
Rector designate Professor Tyrone Pretorius officially opened the University of the Western Cape’s Documents, Records and Archives Management Services (DRAMS) unit at the Library Auditorium on Tuesday, 23 September 2014.
The new Archives wing consists of newspaper articles, old photographs and information which can be used by students and staff to view “Udubs over the ages”.
The aim of the UWC DRAMS unit is to maintain the University’s institutional memory by preserving University records and publications of continuing value.
This is done by identifying, collecting, preserving and organizing authentic and complete records of enduring value which can be used to promote funding activities by using materials from past fundraising campaigns like posters, photos and scripts.
Guest speaker Mr Sipho Zulu, who is the Deputy Director in archives at the North West Province, said: “ An archives unit stores records which are no longer used within the office environment. These include non-current records and documents which are no longer active and need to be collected and managed well. There is a need to collect these records in order to protect the history of the institution, and we need to ensure that these records are archived and stored away safely.”
He added by saying: “The management of records starts with each individual employee of the University, who is entrusted with the responsibility to protect the institutional memory through the filing of their specific portfolio related documents.”
UWC DRAMS manager, Ms Nikiwe Momoti, said that when they embarked on the project of launching the new archives unit in May 2014, it seemed impossible because their new space was filled with unwanted documents.
“We should however note that every record, print or electronic, has the potential to be of historical and administrative value,” she said.
“These archives we are launching at UWC today are the beginning of greater things for UWC. We are beginning to value and keep our history for the future,” she added.
Staff attending the opening were invited to view the new space which is situated at the Library, after Professor Tyrone Pretorius welcomed everyone inside.
