Ask AI: Organization background of the National archives of Zimbabwe

The National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) is a government department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage in Zimbabwe. Established in 1935 as the Rhodesia National Archives, it later transitioned into the National Archives of Zimbabwe at independence in 1980. The department is mandated with preserving, conserving, and providing access to Zimbabwe's documentary heritage. It ensures the protection and maintenance of administrative, legal, and historical records of the government and other monumental documents of national significance. The National Archives of Zimbabwe operates under the National Archives of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:06] that guides the management of public archives, records, collection of oral tradition and national monuments. In addition to maintaining public records, the NAZ also coordinates activities related to museums and monuments, delivers educational programs, works on the digitization of archives, conducts historical research, and publishes numerous titles on Zimbabwe's rich history and heritage. The main archival building is located in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, and it houses thousands of documents, manuscripts, photographs, and maps which constitute an essential resource for researchers both nationally and internationally. Moreover, it has regional branches across the country to ensure broader access to its services, providing the public an opportunity to learn and understand the country's historical, cultural, and heritage context.