Oshikoto: Oshikoto Regional Director of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Hilma Nuunyango-George, has warned that poor records management in government institutions and schools poses a serious threat to Namibia's historical memory and institutional accountability. Speaking during the commemoration of International Archives Week at the Onyaanya Constituency Hall on Thursday, Nuunyango-George stressed the importance of preserving archives as a vital part of the country's heritage and democratic development.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Nuunyango-George emphasized that archives are far more than mere storage spaces; they represent the living memory of the nation's past. She highlighted that this year's global theme, 'Archives for Justice: Rights, Memory and Futures,' underlines the crucial role archives play in promoting justice, protecting rights, and shaping future generations. The theme resonates with Namibia's history, where the journey to independence and democracy is deeply rooted in the fight for justice.
Nuunyango-George explained that archives are not only resources for historians but also serve as important tools for human rights, transparency, and civic accountability. They support the rule of law by preserving evidence of land ownership, institutional decisions, and individual identities. By safeguarding documents from the past, she argued, the rights of citizens today are protected, laying a transparent foundation for a fairer and more inclusive future.
However, she expressed concern that records management is poorly understood across many government offices and educational institutions. Records are often treated as routine administrative paperwork instead of valuable institutional assets. The unauthorised disposal of documents and lack of investment in proper storage facilities were described as 'historical self-sabotage' that could deprive future generations of knowledge about their past.
Nuunyango-George urged inspectors, school principals, heads of department, and administrative officers to prioritise proper record-keeping, describing it as a key pillar of good governance, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts. She called on schools, circuits, and organisations to strengthen records management systems and empower staff responsible for preserving information. Community members and elders were encouraged to share oral histories and community records, while young people were urged to explore digital archives to learn more about the nation's history and heritage.