Archives Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Manages and directs appraisal, editing, and safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents.
What does a Archives Manager do?
An Archives Manager leads the appraisal, editing, organisation and safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. The role helps ensure that important information is preserved, managed responsibly and remains accessible for future research, accountability and institutional memory. Because it is a management career, the work may also involve directing people and overseeing archival operations.
How to become a Archives Manager in South Africa
- Build knowledge of archives, records management, document preservation and information organisation.
- Consider the Further Education and Training Certificate: Archives and Records Management (SAQA ID 64069, NQF Level 4, 141 credits) as a relevant training pathway.
- Seek practical exposure to handling, organising, describing and preserving records and historically valuable documents.
- Develop experience in archival or records-management responsibilities and take on increasing responsibility; management roles commonly involve workplace progression as well as relevant education.
- Confirm the current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited provider.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Relevant education can support entry into archives and records management, while progression into management commonly also involves workplace experience, increasing responsibility and the ability to direct archival work. Prepare by learning how records are appraised, edited, organised and preserved, and by developing careful, ethical approaches to handling historically valuable information.
Useful school subjects
- English
- History
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
Skills that may help
- Records and information organisation
- Document appraisal
- Editing and description of archival material
- Preservation and safekeeping
- Attention to detail
- Leadership and coordination
- Research and analytical thinking
- Clear written and verbal communication