The 𝟑𝐫𝐝 Annual Records Management And Archives Conference

Acting Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Hon. Karabo S. Gare has idindicated that, the Government of Botswana is currently in a transitioning mode and striving to be a high income economy by 2036.

Hon Gare was speaking at the official opening of the 3rd Annual Records Management and Archives Conference held in Gaborone organised by The Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture through the Botswana National Archives and Records Services. Hon Gare stated that Government has set up new priorities, adopting new approaches and also putting in place implementation resources as a road map to attaining this aspiration. This, he said calls for immediate action by everyone including the Records and Archives Management professionals to introspect, align and show their contribution towards the achievement of this vision.

The Conference’s theme: Repositioning Archives and Records Management to the New Agenda, is a reminder to the populace to appreciate the significant importance that access to Records and Archives provide the means of determining our level of progress as a Country.

Minister Gare pointed out that digitization of archives and records is essential for productivity, accountability, good governance and efficient service delivery where ease and speedy access to information is a critical resource for decision making. He noted that the digital infrastructure has grown, and has necessitated the field of information management to speedily develop. “The paradigm shift to the use of Information Communication Technologies has brought us under one global village and Botswana as a country has positioned herself well to be an equal competitor.”

He emphasized that information is a key contributor to the development of individuals and communities as they manoeuvre towards contributing to the achievement of the Reset Agenda. The importance of Records and Archives in society cannot be over emphasized because it is through information that communities have a sense of identity, preserve their culture and social values.

When welcoming the delegates, Deputy Permanent Secretary- Corporate Services Ms. Wame Samapipi reiterated that Records and Archives Management professionals should see themselves working towards the achievement of this important initiative by providing the necessary guidance in the management of information that is instrumental to prompt decision making.