The origin of the National Archives and Records Service, previously known by various other names (last known as the State Archives Service), dates back to 1919. Since then the National Archives and Records Service operated on a decentralized provincial basis under central government control. In terms of Schedule 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996) and the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996, as amended), the archival function is to be devolved to provincial legislatures, with the National Archives and Records Service retaining responsibility for records of national government bodies.

The National Archives and Records Service is responsible for the National Archives Repository in Pretoria. The other repositories have been devolved to their respective provincial legislatures.

The National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act effects transformation of the National Archives and Records Service structurally as well as in terms of its mandate, functions and objects.

With the restructuring of government and government departments in 1994, the National Archives and Records Service become a programme of the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. Following the creation of two separate departments in August 2002, the National Archives and Records Service became a programme of the Department of Arts and Culture. Since 1 April 2020 the National Archives and Records Service is a programme within the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Also see the Organisational Structure.