More on National Archives

Establishment of Archives
The Government of the Kingdom Swaziland realised the need to have a centre to keep its records properly. Then the Swaziland National Archives was established through Archives Act No. 5/1971. The National Archives were then placed under the Deputy Prime Minister's offices in Mbabane. On the 7th September 1978, a purpose built Archival building in Lobamba was officially opened by His Majesty King Sobhuza II with Queen Mamohato of Lesotho as guest of honour. Thereafter, the Department was placed under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Communication. From 2009 to date, the Swaziland the National Archives is placed under the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology.

Overview of the National Archives Holdings

Non-current (primary) archival records of permanent value. Open Access Archives Indexes date from 1881-1969. New collections are processed and accessioned for public access after 30 years in line with the Archives Act 5/1971 provisions;
Archival Photographs of National Events/ individuals dating to the colonial era.
Private papers from selected individuals and family history records;
Selected audio cassettes, video, CDs and DVDs including maps are available for on-site public consultation; and
Complementary secondary materials such as books, government publication, reports, conference papers, gazettes dating from 1901, Times of Swaziland dating from 1905; press cuttings from South African Newspapers and SADC publications accessible from the Archives Special Library.

Key Sections at the National Archives

Records Management Section: responsible for improving the economy and efficiency in the creation, maintenance and use of records during the entire cycle across all Government Ministries and extending to the private sector;
Archives Administration/Research Centre: responsibility for non-current records of permanent value. Archives Indexes date from 1881-1969. This is mainly consulted by researchers and visiting scholars;
Special Library: this section deals with secondary materials on Swaziland; books, government publication, reports, conference papers, gazettes dating from 1901, Times of Swaziland dating from 1905; press cuttings from South African Newspapers and SADC publications. Responsibility for enforcing Legal Deposits;
Photography / Reprography Section: This section is responsible for capturing photographic and audiovisual heritage on National Events, people and other activities throughout Swaziland. Photographs from individuals are also collected to complement the archival collection;
Conservation Unit: This section deals with the preservation and conservation of the collection found at the Swaziland National Archives. The functions of this department involve but are not limited to Book-binding, the treatment and restoration of damaged records, maps, archives, photographs and the library collection.

Mobile shelving units