Transfer of Ownership and Preservation of Anti-apartheid Movement Liberation Archives: Memories of the African National Congress of South Africa

Abstract

This study examined the transfer of ownership and preservation of the anti-apartheid movement (AAM) archives. The purpose of the paper is to present empirical research findings regarding the compliance of the African National Congress (ANC) with principles of ownership and preservation during the digitisation of liberation archives. The research grounding this paper used a qualitative method that allowed the triangulation of data collection methods. Interview data were augmented through interviews, document analysis and observation. The findings revealed the ANC’s non-compliance with some of the principles of ownership during the digitisation of liberation archives. The unauthorised digitisation of some of the AAM liberation archives has created a legal dispute relating to ownership. The study concludes that organisations which embark on a digitisation project, must adhere to the principles of ownership. Furthermore, the successful implementation of digitisation requires collaboration and partnerships between project owners and technological companies.