Incorporation of indigenous archives into Limpopo archives repository: a case of Venda indigenous archives

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to assess the Venda indigenous archives incorporation into the Limpopo Provincial archives to promote archives decolonisation. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a qualitative research method. Interviews conducted with the 10 Limpopo Provincial Archivists and 25 community leaders based in the Venda area were conducted. The semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Findings It is a South African constitutional mandate for each province to manage its archives. As the former Venda was now part of the Limpopo province, its archives were incorporated into the Limpopo Provincial Archives. The Venda archives incorporation to the Limpopo Provincial Archives did not consider the will of a community member to travel a long distance. Furthermore, challenges faced by archivists such as lack of skills and knowledge to process archival materials, lack of funding and participation in the incorporation of archives materials. Research limitations/implications This research confines itself to the Venda indigenous archives created from 1979 to 1993. Practical implications This paper addresses archives decolonisation. Social implications The paper has the potential to demonstrate the value of the indigenous archive. Originality/value The study can be replicated for other research practices. This case study can be implemented in other parts of the world that face similar circumstances so regarding the transfer of archives and the challenges faced to maintain community knowledge and make them accessible.