The Department commemorated International Archives Day 2026 on 9 June 2026 at the North West Provincial Archives in Mahikeng, North West Province. The event provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of archives and records management in preserving South Africa’s collective memory, promoting good record-keeping practices, and improving public understanding and access to archival services.
A key highlight of the commemoration was the official unveiling of the Mission Mzansi Exhibition. The exhibition presented a comprehensive account of the history and contribution of various German missionary societies that had operated in South Africa from the 1700s onwards. Through archival material, the exhibition explored the influence of German missionaries on South African society, culture, churches, education and property ownership, while demonstrating the value of missionary archives as important sources of historical knowledge.
The exhibition was the result of a collaborative initiative involving South African and German stakeholders. The concept was first proposed during the 2023 German-South African Binational Commission meeting, followed by a stakeholder symposium hosted by the German Ambassador in Pretoria in 2024. Subsequent engagements were held with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the University of Pretoria. Funding for the research and design of the exhibition, as well as its first presentation at the University of Pretoria in 2026, was provided by the German Federal Foreign Office, with Prof. Lize Kriel of the University of Pretoria serving as the project leader.
The commemoration successfully highlighted the value of archives and records management and encouraged public engagement with archival heritage. It also provided a platform to showcase significant archival collections and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in the archives, heritage and cultural sectors.
Event Details
- Date: 9 June 2026
- Venue: North West Provincial Archives, Mahikeng, North West Province
- Key Activity: Official unveiling of the Mission Mzansi Exhibition
