The Mapungubwe Archive is a repository of historical and modern significance that forms a key part of the University of Pretoria’s institutional memory bank. Historical and current archival records dating back to 1933, relating to the history of Mapungubwe and the University’s role as steward of the Mapungubwe Collection, are permanently lodged in the Archive. The Mapungubwe Archive is a member of the International Council on Archives (ICA) representing the records and archive professionals across the globe dedicated to the effective management of records and the preservation, care, and use of the world’s archival heritage. The Mapungubwe Archive was formally opened on 24 February 2022 by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Prof. Tawana Kupe.

The Mapungubwe Archive is officially curated, managed, and preserved by the University of Pretoria Museums. Located in the Old Arts building on UP’s Hatfield Campus, the Archive stores, manages, maintains, and preserves a substantial collection of historical documents, photographs, negatives, slides, maps, multimedia material, digital records, publications, and other related material. The Archive continues to grow by acquiring public and private records by transfer, gift, bequest, exchange, or any other transaction for it to be held in trust for future generations. It is a unique heritage resource being the only Mapungubwe Archive in the world. The Archive is not merely a historical and research resource, but it aims to provide a space to remember, recreate, reconsider, and reimagine. It demonstrates the University of Pretoria’s social contribution to managing, curating, and preserving finite archives for its wider contributions to the arts, culture, and heritage sector of South Africa and Mapungubwe as a declared world heritage site.

The preservation of the Mapungubwe Archive is to provide a safe macro and microenvironment within the archive repository. Preservation priorities include monitoring temperature and humidity, continuous assessment of archival holdings, the appropriate storing of archival records, as well as maintaining security measures. When providing access to the archival holdings, safe handling of the historical materials is enforced in line with recognised international standards.

The preservation of archival material would not have been possible without the grant from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in partnership with the US Embassy in Pretoria. A substantial preservation grant of $57 735 was formally awarded to the University of Pretoria Museums on 1 October 2018. The preservation project commenced in September 2018 and concluded in November 2021. Preservation and appraisal continues.

https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/589

CONTACT:

Helma Steenkamp (Mapungubwe Archivist)

Room 1-16, Old Arts Building, Main Campus

Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3100

Email: [email protected]

Access only for researchers. Please e-mail or phone for an appointment. Researchers are required to register annually and nominal fees may apply.