MANAGING CHURCH RECORDS RELATING TO INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES AT THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF NATAL

Mousaion ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Ken Chisa ◽  
Ruth Hoskins

The Anglican Diocese of Natal in South Africa (hereafter the Diocese) is part of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. It covers the western part of the KwaZulu-Natal province, west and south of the Tugela and Buffalo rivers. The Episcopal leader of the diocese is the Bishop of Natal. This study aimed to examine the current records management framework at the Archives of the Anglican Diocese of Natal (hereafter the Archives), especially with regard to records relating to indigenous laity within the Diocese. The study identified the strengths and weaknesses of this framework and recommends an effective and efficient records management protocol for the future. The study was based on a literature review and the personal experiences and observations of one of the researchers who worked at the Diocese at the time of the study. The study concludes that the Diocese does not have a clear records management programme to deliberately guide the management of indigenous related records. It recommends the need to embrace information and communication technologies (ICTs) and other innovative changes in in order to create an enabling environment to facilitate records location, accessibility, retrieval and the timely utilisation of information.The paper argues that a reconfiguration of policy and methods needs to take place in order to acknowledge the many faceted relationships that exist between indigenous peoples and records, and to recognise the rights of indigenous communities to participate in the process of decision making about records management and practices. The paper considers these issues by examining challenges that are presented in managing existing indigenous collections in church repositories in South Africa, followed by a discussion about the challenges and opportunities that exist in the digital domain for rich and diverse collections to be created that allow for multiple perspectives.

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Chisa ◽  
Ruth Hoskins

When information and communication technologies (ICTs) are introduced in an indigenous environment, they bring along with them mass media, popular culture and global languages such as English. This may cause conflict with existing local traditions and may sometimes erode cultural stability. Paradoxically, these technologies can also empower the same community with new tools to create new economic, social and political opportunities besides preserving, promoting, and even safeguarding its indigenous cultural identity. This dichotomy begs the question: under which conditions can ICTs empower indigenous communities? This article investigates this question, focusing on the role of ICTs in promoting indigenous peoples’ livelihoods in South Africa. It analyses key factors under which information and knowledge can be instrumental for the empowerment of marginalised groups. The article argues that improved access to information coupled with ICT skills can enhance indigenous peoples’ capabilities to make strategic life choices and uplift their own livelihoods. Furthermore, the article develops an alternative evaluation framework for ICT interventions in indigenous communities based on Sen’s (1999) capability approach. In contrast to the dominant narrative around the ‘digital divide’, this framework places the human development of indigenous communities other than ICTs at the centre of the analysis. With examples and experiences from two case studiesfrom South Africa and Uganda, the article concludes that there is no direct causal link between ICTs and the social development of indigenous communities, but that in fact this relationship is shaped by a dynamic, multi-dimensional interrelationship between technology and the social context.


10.28945/2679 ◽  
2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
ME Herselman ◽  
HR Hay

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are the major driving forces of globalised and knowledge-based societies of a new world era. They will have a profound impact on teaching and learning for two decades to come. The revolutionary change which is taking place in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), has dramatic effects on the way universities carry out their functions of teaching, learning and research, particularly on the creation, dissemination and application of knowledge. These developments pose unprecedented challenges to higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries particular in South Africa as South Africa is viewed as the leading country on the continent.


Author(s):  
M.Z Ramorola

There has been a steady rise in the practice and performance of religious activities within the cyberspace since the 1980s. Many pastors have embraced the use of technology in their religious and ministerial practices. However, what would be more critical is to understand how technology, once adopted and operational would assume the function of support and fulfil religious members’ spiritual, emotional and social needs. This paper discusses technology use in religious organizations, particularly during the lockdown period of Covid-19 between March 2020 to the July 2021. The article uses South Africa as a research context to explore technology use and its role to address the challenges of support, space and practice. The paper employed a qualitative interpretive paradigm to source data from six members from different religious organizations in South Africa. Three themes arose from the data: information and communication technologies provide space for religious member to network; information and communication media facilitate religious practice and activities; and information and communication technologies enhance management of resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Cazan

In recent years, the role of technology in working life has increased. Technology and digitalization play a crucial role in the developmentof the organizations and the entire societies. The ascendance of digital organizations has also become a widely researched topic, the digital workplace environmentbeing an important organizational asset for increasing employee productivity (Köffer, 2015). Digitalization creates changes in the world of work, impacting not only business performance and worker productivity, but also job satisfaction, work/life balance, worker autonomy and monitoring across hierarchical levels. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in particular are essential components of working andimportant working tools (Korunka&Vartiainen, 2017).


This chapter explores infrastructures, experiences, and interactions in relation to emerging urban layers and spaces for engagement in the city. The purpose of this chapter is to shed light on the digital layers enabled by information and communication technologies, the internet of things, the internet of people, and other emerging technologies to complement and extend existing urban infrastructural layers. The research literature for infrastructures, experiences, and interactions is explored in this chapter in the context of smart cities, enabling identification of issues, controversies, and problems. Using an exploratory case study approach, solutions and recommendations are advanced. This chapter makes a contribution to 1) the research literature across multiple domains, 2) the identification of challenges and opportunities for research and practice relating to emerging urban layers and spaces going forward, and 3) the extending of existing understandings of urbanity to incorporate digital layers and spaces enabling connected, contextual, and continuous engagement.


2011 ◽  
pp. 1158-1170
Author(s):  
Udo Averweg ◽  
Siyabonga Manyanga

The availability of publicly accessible Internet networks and services are the first prerequisite in ensuring that all citizens and nations can benefit from information on the World Wide Web (UNESCO, 2003). Information and communication technologies (ICT) are playing an increasingly important role in the daily lives of citizens, revolutionising work and leisure and changing the rules of doing business. ICT encompass all technologies that facilitate the processing and transfer of information and communication services (United Nations, 2002). In the realm of government, ICT applications are promising to enhance the delivery of public goods and services to citizens not only by improving the process and management of government but also by redefining the traditional concepts of citizenship and democracy (Pascual, 2003). The spread of ICT brings hope that governments can transform (Pacific Council on International Policy, 2002). This article is organised as follows: • Background to the research is given • ICT adoption in the eThekwini Municipality in South Africa is described • The research goals, method, data gathering, and results are discussed • Management implications towards implementing a successful e-government strategy are given • Future trends are then suggested and a conclusion is given


Author(s):  
Sirje Virkus

The rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) over the past decades has created new challenges and opportunities for libraries and librarians. As a result of ICT, library services to users have changed, the management of libraries has evolved and the roles of librarians have multiplied. The new millennium presents new opportunities to exploit an ever-growing array of information and communication technologies in the provision of library services. As one millennium draws to a close and a new one begins, there are a lot of questions to answer:


Author(s):  
Philippe Robert ◽  
Renaud David ◽  
Valeria Manera

In 2011, France began the launch of its National Alzheimer Plans to fund research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders, which resulted in a significant increase in French scientific research output, particularly after implementation of the Third National Alzheimer Plan (2008–2012). The 2014–2019 Neurodegenerative Disease Plan and the new Action and Prevention of Loss of Autonomy National Plan aim at extending the positive research outcomes in AD to other neurodegenerative pathologies. Interestingly, these plans also assign an important role to Information and Communication Technologies in the assessment and training of people with AD, frailty, and related disorders. This may contribute to shaping the new Silver Economy by creating new challenges and opportunities.


Author(s):  
Chijioke J. Evoh

The purpose of this study is to examine the dynamics of collaborative partnership involving the private sector, government, and community groups in the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for expanding access to and improving the quality of secondary education in South Africa. Based on the operations and projects of Mindset Learn channel in secondary schools in South Africa, the study explores the enabling factors for the innovative improvement of secondary schooling with ICTs. On the other hand, the study also focused on the challenges facing Mindset Learn innovative approach to secondary education as well as the prospects of the sustaining this model of educational development in South Africa and other countries in Africa. Qualitative data collection methods were used to gather data from key informants.


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