This paper aims to analyse the current Southern African countries’ archives and records management legislations to identify the gaps and challenges. It is important to assess the role played by National Archives legislations within the preservation of heritage and history; private archives known as liberation archives; the transfer of archives; the disposal and retention of records, access, copyright management and skills; and development of staff.,The study used a qualitative methodology through document analysis, interviews and observation. The sampling of the study comprised representatives from the selected Southern African National Archives (South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia).,The key findings revealed gaps of the archives and records management legislations in terms of definitions, transfer, disposal and transfer of records and accessibility. Some of the Southern African countries failed to use archives and records management legislation to promote accountability and governance.,The research is limited to the following countries: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa.,Archive and records management legislation which has gaps creates problems in terms of effective implementation of archives and records management programmes.,The failure by Southern African countries to revise their National Archives legislations and clarify the role of National Archives will lead to loss of archival materials if not addressed.,Updated archives legislation contributes to the development of effective archives and records management programme.

中文翻译：

---

非洲殖民主义之后档案和记录管理立法的作用

本文旨在分析当前南部非洲国家的档案和记录管理法规，以找出差距和挑战。重要的是评估国家档案馆立法在保护遗产和历史方面所起的作用；被称为解放档案的私人档案；档案的转移；记录的处理和保留，访问，版权管理和技能；研究人员采用定性方法通过文件分析，访谈和观察。该研究的样本来自选定的南非国家档案馆（南非，莫桑比克，博茨瓦纳和纳米比亚）的代表。主要发现揭示了档案馆和档案管理法规在定义，转让，记录的处理和转移以及可访问性。一些南部非洲国家未能利用档案和记录管理法规来促进问责制和治理。该研究仅限于以下国家：博茨瓦纳，莫桑比克，纳米比亚和南非。在有效执行档案和记录管理计划方面。南部非洲国家未能修订其国家档案法和澄清国家档案的作用，如果不加以解决，将导致档案资料的丢失。制定有效的档案和记录管理计划。