Mbabane – The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (MICT) today has convened a stakeholder validation workshop focusing at finalising Eswatini’s first comprehensive Preservation Policy for public records and information.
The session, held under the Eswatini National Archives and Records Service (ENARS), brought together government officials, regulators, academics, civil society and private-sector representatives to assess and validate the draft policy.
Speaking during the opening, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Andreas Dlamini, emphasised that the country is at a “significant milestone” in ensuring that public information, particularly digital records, is protected, preserved and remains accessible for decades to come. He noted that while the ENARS Act No. 6 of 2023 mandates government institutions to safeguard public records, the policy now being considered will provide the practical framework necessary to implement the law effectively.
The PS highlighted growing global and national challenges in managing information, especially in an era where data volumes are expanding rapidly. He warned that fragile digital formats, outdated technologies, cyber threats and disasters pose major risks to the continuity and authenticity of government information if not proactively managed.
According to the ministry, the Preservation Policy aims to ensure the safeguarding of records essential to good governance, accountability and national identity. It further seeks to support digital transformation by guaranteeing the long-term protection of digital records, provide guidelines to manage technological obsolescence and cyber risks, and promote a coordinated preservation culture across all sectors.
Stakeholders present were urged to contribute actively to the validation process to ensure the policy is realistic, inclusive and aligned with both international best practice and Eswatini’s national context. The PS also acknowledged the importance of collective responsibility, stating that decisions made today will shape how future generations understand the country’s history and governance.
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