Unisa scholar honoured for reimagining Africa's archival future

Unisa recently held the inaugural Library and Information Services (LIS) Symposium themed Knowledge without borders: Unlocking the future through collaboration, bringing together academics, archivists, librarians, records managers, and heritage custodians from across the globe to explore possible collaboration to advance Africas archival future.

The symposium also honoured Professor Mpho Ngoepe, acting Vice-Principal of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, and a towering figure in archival science whose work continues to shape the African continent’s governance, memory and knowledge futures. Beyond spotlighting Ngoepe’s continental impact, the symposium also affirmed his commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals in this field.

Dr Matsheliso Molapo

Opening the event, Dr Matsheliso Molapo, Unisa’s acting Vice-Principal of Strategy, Risk, and Advisory Services, highlighted the role of information institutions in society, stating that libraries and archives are far more than support structures, but are also engines that drive academic life. “They influence how society remembers, innovates, imagines its future, and pursue transformation,” she noted. For Molapo, celebrating scholars like Ngoepe affirms the critical role of knowledge stewards in shaping the continent.

Professor Nampombe Saurombe, acting Chair of the Department of Information Science, described Ngoepe as a visionary whose scholarship transcends borders. She reflected on his commitment to promote African-centred knowledge systems, his contributions to digital preservation, and the remarkable legacy of his mentorship.

Historian Dr Tlou Setumu, a childhood peer of Ngoepe from Makgabeng Village, appreciated that this village produced someone that transforms the archival profession. He also paid tribute to Ngoepe’s mother, describing her son as both a village gift and a global asset, which further indicates scholarly celebration in humanity, family and community.

Messages of support poured in from across the globe, underscoring Ngoepe’s global impact. Professor Luciano Duranti from the University of British Columbia and Dr Corinne Rogers from the InterPARES Trust, highlighted his leadership in international digital records management research. They spoke of his critical role in guiding the African team and his editorial influence on the Managing digital records in Africa book, a memorable impact that helped to prominently position African scholarship in global archival discourse. Additionally, Dr James Lowry, an archival scholar from the United States of America, praised Ngoepe’s groundbreaking work on accountability, governance and the decolonisation of archival education. Lowry noted his influence on students and collaborators through literature.

Nationally, tributes demonstrated the breadth of Ngoepe’s influence across sectors. The South African Society of Archivists honoured him as an international archivist whose leadership invigorated the organisation, emphasising his extraordinary decision to donate publication rights of a festschrift he authored – an act of generosity rarely seen in the profession. The Library and Information Association of South Africa acknowledged Ngoepe’s contribution to the field, particularly in strengthening professional development and policy engagement. The Oral History Association of South Africa praised his efforts to preserve oral histories and elevate indigenous narratives. The National Archives and Records Service of South Africa reflected on his journey from a young archivist to a globally respected scholar inspiring young professionals to pursue advanced studies in records and archives.

Professor Lorette Jacobs, Unisa’s Head of Tuition and Learner Support within the College of Human Sciences, described Ngoepe as a scholar whose work opens doors. She highlighted his commitment to open science, African knowledge systems, and accessible scholarship.

Jacobs said: “His leadership reflects collaboration, humility and intellectual courage, and his influence has strengthened both Unisa and the broader information science community.” She added: “Prof Ngoepe reminds us that the future of African scholarship lies in collaboration.”

These tributes demonstrated how Ngoepe’s work resonates across professional structures and the globe. They also declared Ngoepe as not only a leader in archival science, but also a builder of people, custodian of memory, and an architect of Africa’s knowledge future.

Prof Mpho Ngoepe with his family, Unisa management, and experts in archival science

Book covers unveiled

The celebration included the unveiling of three book covers showcasing forthcoming works authored in honour of Ngoepe, demonstrating his influence in deepening the continent’s discourse on collaboration, African knowledge systems and digital preservation. The symposium also featured 18 academic papers that will be published in a special issue, an enduring scholarly legacy that emerged from the event.

Delivering his reflections, Ngoepe emphasised the collective nature of scholarship and acknowledged everyone who had shaped his journey, including family, mentors, colleagues and the many students who continue to carry forward the discipline. He concluded with a proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

The 2025 LIS Symposium did more than honour a scholar, it also established a new tradition in African academia of celebrating intellectual giants while they are still alive to shape, guide and witness the impact of their legacies. It was also one of the largest gatherings of the galleries, libraries, archives and museums sector, united in building a stronger knowledge future for the continent.

* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Coordinator, Library and Information Services, and Dr Matlala Mahlatji, Lecturer, Department of Information Science