UNAM promotes archive landscape through International Archives Day

WINDHOEK, 18 JUL – The University of Namibia (UNAM) Library celebrated the International Archives Day for 2018 with the aim of creating awareness on the importance of storing historical information and promoting archives as tools for teaching, learning and research.
The event took place in Windhoek on 17 to 18 July under the theme ‘Archives: Governance, Memory and Heritage’.
The theme encourages organisations to file records to be managed and kept systematically in ensuring that institutions are accountable to the communities in which they serve.
The two days were renowned with an exhibition that showcased the private archives of National Assembly Speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi, the late Dr Mose Tjitendero, UNAM Professor Andre Du Pisani and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission.
Speaking at the exhibition on Tuesday, Katjavivi stressed on the importance of empowering the youth with knowledge and expanding researched information in Africa.
“Planting the seed of learning and investing in human capacity should be the main priority for all academics,” he emphasised.
He added that Africans should share their work in order to contribute to the global circle of knowledge.
Du Pisani also highlighted that despite technology development, archives remain important in this era.
“Despite the evolution of technology, archives still matter in this age.”
International Archives Day was adopted by the International Council on Archives to celebrate their work by highlighting the importance of keeping archives and making it available to the community.
At the same occasion, Lieutenant General (Retired) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, author and former Chief of Defence, donated 30 books to UNAM, 15 each of his two books titled ‘A Life and Views of a Soldier; Author’s Perspective’ and ‘Strategic Leadership and Management the Direction Pointers: Effective and Enabling Instruments to overcome Challenges of the 21st century’.
The books were received by UNAM Vice-Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu on behalf of the university.
(NAMPA)