This study focuses on the opportunities and challenges in the management of electronic records in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It explores the background to information communication and technology (ICT) development and how it impacts on recordkeeping practices in the three countries. In addition, it examines strategies employed by the national archives of the three countries in the management of electronic records. ICT is impacting on the way organisations function and is playing an important role in the information society. In spite of this, the information and records generated by use of this technology are not properly managed. This is posing a threat to accountability and good governance. This study outlines and examines the environment in which ICT in the three countries is developing. Further, the study exposes the computerisation strategies in government agencies and examines the role of the national archives in the management of electronic records in these countries. In doing the above, data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and discussions with key personnel within the ICT industry, government agencies and national archives in the three countries. ICT infrastructure was found to be limited in rural areas resulting in a need to bridge the urban-rural divide. A need to review policies and coordination frameworks in ICT development was identified. Further, ICT development was limited due to scarce human and financial resources. However, governments in the three countries, together with the private sector were making significant efforts. The increasing use of ICT in the three countries has impacted on recordkeeping practices in government agencies by enabling creation, capture, maintenance, use and disposition of electronic records. In Botswana and Namibia no policies and procedures were found to be in place to enable the management of electronic records whereas these were present in South Africa. Gaps were identified in staffing levels and professional training for the management of electronic records in the three countries. It was found that Botswana and Namibia do not have clearly laid out strategies for managing electronic records whereas such strategies do exist in South Africa. Amongst the three countries, South Africa emerged as a good model of a country that has updated its legal provision to enable the management of electronic records. In spite of the challenges faced, ICT has developed well and impacted positively in recordkeeping in the three countries. South Africa has taken great strides in developing policies, procedures, strategies and legislation for the management of electronic records in government agencies. Botswana and Namibia are seen as lagging behind in these areas. The study end, by making a number of recommendations, including the need for training and human capacity building for the management of electronic records.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:441944 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Keakopa, Segomotso Masegonyana |
| Publisher | University College London (University of London) |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1445627/ |
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