The price of eternal vigilance: is democracy compromised by the under-funding of archival services?

Abstract

The success of records management in the public sector depends on the efficiency with which public service managers comply with the requirements of the Archives Act and Regulations, under the general supervision of the National Archivist. In turn, successful records management helps guarantee the constitutional rights of South African citizens. Chronic under-funding of the records management department of the National Archives could compromise the transparency and accountability essential for the continuation of democratic government.

(Innovation: 2002 24: 49-50)