THE government targets to establish 10 provincial community archives to enable documentation of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage
These archives will be created or preserved by individuals and community groups, who desire to document their cultural heritage based on shared experiences, interests, and/or identities.
Speaking during the official opening of Zvishavane Community Archive, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe said among the many 100-day cycle projects that his ministry implemented in 2021, it is the establishment of community archive centres.
“The National Archives managed to complete this historic community archive as planned during the seventh 100-day project cycle,” he said.
Kazembe said the Zvishavane Community Archive is the fourth to be established after Girls High School in Harare Province, Arcturus High School, in Mashonaland East, and Z.C.C. Mbungo, in Masvingo Province.
Kazembe said the fifth community archive in Kariba, Mashonaland West, has also since been completed and will soon be officially opened.
“The National Archives of Zimbabwe worked synergistically with Shabanie Mine, to establish this community archive,” he said.
Kazembe said the choice of Zvishavane was very strategic given the town’s rich mining history which is found in various manuscripts, minutes of meetings, policy files, personal files, maps, plans, drawings, machinery manuals from suppliers of equipment, technical manuals, books and a photographic collection.
“My ministry will keep supporting all willing and intending partners in the establishment of community archives.
“The National Archives of Zimbabwe worked synergistically with Shabanie Mine to establish this community archive,” he said.
