Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini has intensified efforts to secure its documentary heritage as the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (MICT) convened a high-level validation workshop for the Eswatini National Archives and Records Service (ENARS) Preservation Policy.
Held at Ezulwini Happy Valley Hotel on November 20, 2025, the workshop brought together government ministries, regulators, academics, cultural institutions and private-sector partners to refine the country’s first comprehensive framework for safeguarding public information.
Officially opening the session, Ministry of Information Communications and Technology Principal Secretary Andreas Dlamini said the workshop marked “a significant milestone in our collective journey to finalise the policy which is intended to guide the country in safeguarding its public records and information assets.”
He noted that the rapid shift to digital information had reshaped the preservation sector. “We are operating in an era where the volume of information continues to grow at unprecedented levels,” he said.
“While this digital environment presents immense opportunities, it also exposes us to risks that can quickly undermine the continuity, authenticity and availability of critical government information.”
The ENARS Act of 2023 assigns public institutions the responsibility of ensuring the long-term preservation of national records. Dlamini stressed that the new policy would transform the law into practical standards that institutions could implement consistently.
He emphasised that the policy could only succeed with broad input. “Policy validation requires voices that represent the full spectrum of stakeholders,” he said, adding that every sector had a role In creating “a preservation environment that is realistic, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the country.”
The policy prioritises protecting information essential for governance, enabling digital transformation, reducing risks from disasters and outdated technologies, and building a unified preservation culture across Eswatini.
The Principal Secretary reminded participants of the long-term national value of their work. “Preserving information is not merely an administrative function; it is a national responsibility,” he said.
He thanked stakeholders for their commitment before declaring the workshop officially open.
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