An Evaluation of the Records Management Capacity of Gweru City Council (GCC), Zimbabwe

Local authorities (urban and rural councils as well as municipalities) in Zimbabwe are a sub-structure of local government given the responsibility to provide public services in particular areas such as cities and towns. In undertaking their work, local authorities create and use various types of records that include financial, personnel, health, and engineering records as well as council meeting minutes and housing plans, among other records. This study evaluates the records management capacity of the Gweru City Council (GCC) in Zimbabwe. This study employed qualitative research approaches. The study was grounded on the Records Management Capacity Assessment System (RMCAS) as conceptual framework. The RMCAS is a diagnostic model that assesses the records management capacity of organisations based on international standards. It is revealed that the GCC is in level 1 of the RMCAS, which means the council is less invested in records management issues and less equipped and resourced to effectively manage records. Thus, paper and electronic records at GCC are highly susceptible to loss and destruction.