National Archives of Zimbabwe NAZ

History and Founding

The National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) was established by an Act of Parliament in 1935 — initially under British South Africa Company records oversight — and began operations in Harare (then Salisbury) under the charge of Vyvian William Hiller, the first Director, who served until 1958. The institution started in two small rooms before moving to the basement of the Milton Building in 1938. After Federation was dissolved in 1963, the Archives reorganized along national lines, and a satellite repository opened in Bulawayo in 1966. Following independence in 1980, the Archives expanded its collecting remit and in 2001 opened a purpose-built building in Bulawayo. Today NAZ is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.

Collections and Holdings

The Public Archives and Research Section holds approximately 22,000 cubic feet of material dating from 1890, encompassing deceased estates, family history, criminal and civil records, census records, marriage and baptism certificates, and records of uniformed service. The Library Section serves as a legal depository for all printed publications in Zimbabwe under the Printed Publications Act, and also issues International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) to local publishers. The Audiovisual Unit, established in 1988, holds around 15,000 audiovisual items. The Oral History Programme collects interviews from significant but under-documented contributors to Zimbabwean history. NAZ also maintains philatelic collections documenting postal history from 1890 to the present, and a Conservation Unit that restores physically or chemically damaged records.

Notable Materials and Media History

The archives hold original newspaper clippings from key moments in Zimbabwean history, photographs, oil paintings, and the first Union Jack raised in Harare (Fort Salisbury) in 1890. Exhibits trace constitutional developments leading to independence in 1980, the first and second Chimurenga uprisings, and the role of colonial figures such as Cecil Rhodes.

Access and Usage

The Harare headquarters is open Monday–Friday 08:30–16:00 and Saturday 08:00–12:00. Foreign researchers must obtain a research permit (USD 200) or temporary work permit before visiting. Provincial centers operate in Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare, and Chinhoyi.