Archives, ethics, salaries, and the struggle: a view from Namibia

Abstract

A Namibian project to repatriate and safeguard records of anti-colonial resistance and the liberation struggle is considered in the context of the post-independence period and the present circumstances of the National Archives of Namibia. Ethical questions relating to access to records in a country that was engaged in a liberation war are raised. Authorisation of access and the capacity of African countries to manage their archives are also discussed. The importance of a country having its own archives consolidated and accessible within the country is stressed.


(Innovation: 2002 24: 25-31)