Preserving Zimbabwe's Past: A Journey Through the Key Sections of the National Archives

The National Archives of Zimbabwe comprises various key sections that hold immense historical value for the nation. Here are some of them: 1. Records Management Department This department manages public records from creation to disposal, following the Public Records and Archives Act. It ensures government departments and agencies' correspondence files, due for archiving, are transferred to the National Archives. Through this, the National Archives play a key role in preserving Zimbabwe's administrative history. 2. Documentary and Audiovisual Archives Department This department preserves and makes accessible all types of documentary archives like manuscripts, cartographic materials, drawings, theatrical, and more. Additionally, this section houses an extensive collection of photographs, films, videos, and sound recordings that document Zimbabwe's history visually and audibly. This department plays a significant role in preserving the pictorial, cartographic, and audiovisual history of Zimbabwe. 3. Oral History Department This department collects, preserves, and makes available oral history records. The oral histories, passed down through generations, play a substantial role in understanding and preserving Zimbabwe's cultural and historical heritage. It enriches the understanding of the past from diverse perspectives. 4. Publications Department This department is responsible for publishing and selling the research work hosted by the archives. It includes books, journal articles, guide books, posters and postcards based on the records and resources within the archives. This department plays a crucial role in disseminating Zimbabwe's historical knowledge to the public. 5. Library and Documentation Services Department This department provides reference and research services for those using the archives. It holds a significant collection of books, periodicals, newspapers, parliamentary and government publications, and African languages literature. It also provides researchers with the tools and resources needed to delve into Zimbabwe's history. 6. Conservation Department This department is responsible for the preservation and restoration of the archive's documents. It ensures that Zimbabwe's history is well-preserved for future generations. All these sections and the archivists at National Archives of Zimbabwe play a significant role in collecting, preserving, and providing public access to Zimbabwe's historical information. They ensure the nation's cultural, political, socio-economic history and heritage are conserved appropriately, thus playing a vital role in shaping and preserving the history of Zimbabwe.