Digital technology impact in the access, preservation and curation of indigenous artefacts at Mafikeng Museum

Master of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, North-West University, Mahekeng Campus

The introduction of digital technology in our museums is challenging how traditional museums preserve, document, curate, and store artefacts. Museums are now faced with the dilemma of staying relevant to the society while adapting to the digital era, which is interesting to young people. The Mafikeng Museum recently introduced the use of ICT for the first time towards the end of 2019 as a tool for documentation, access, curation and preservation of museum artefacts, while other museums around the world have started with the provision of online and onsite digital museums services. The researcher argues that this study is fundamental to find out the impact of the implemented digital technology on indigenous objects at the Mafikeng Museum. A qualitative inquiry was used, rooted in the cultural theory, new museology theory and the digital culture theory. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from purposive sampled, museum professionals and IK holders. Responses were recorded using a voice recorder and note taking. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The investigation drew the following findings: (1) the Mafikeng Museum is guided by the national museums policy draft; (2) the museum does not have an independent museum board; (3) there is lack of digital preservation strategy; (4) inadequate human resources and funding to undertake the digitization; (5) there is non-existence of IK holder’s intellectual property rights and that; (6) the participation and involvement of bearers of knowledge does exist at Mafikeng Museum though it is minimal. It is against the above findings that the study make the following recommendations: (1) the museum should develop an internal approved museum policy and the relevant digital preservation strategy; (2) the development of an independent museum board; (3) the implementation of fundraising initiatives by the museum and entrance fee; (4) the encouragement of community volunteerism to assist the museum; (5) urgent attention to IK holders intellectual property rights; (6) proper consultations with bearers of knowledge when planning to implement projects that affects the community.

Masters