“RECORDS ARE NOT JUST PIECES OF PAPER”

Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

The hall hosting the 14th Conference of the Tanzania Records and Archives Management Professionals Association (TRAMPA) in Dodoma fell silent as Firimin Msiangi stood before the participants.

The Director of the National Archives and Records Management Department had not expected that moment to be specially prepared for him.

The guest of honour, Hon. Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister for Public Service Management and Good Governance, had first presented TZS 10 million to the TRAMPA Chairperson, Ms. Devota Mrope, as a personal contribution towards the construction of the TRAMPA office.

He then proceeded to present special gifts to several stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to the records and archives profession. Among those recognised was Firimin Msiangi.

I was in the hall witnessing the occasion. When the applause died down, one question came to my mind:

What does this gift mean beyond simply congratulating Firimin Msiangi?

To me, it represents recognition of an individual, but at the same time, it is also recognition of the entire records and archives profession.

For many years, professionals in this field have carried out work that often goes unnoticed by the wider public. They preserve documents, information and records that may appear insignificant today, but which could become important evidence of the nation’s history tomorrow.

This is where the words of musician Mrisho Mpoto, during a short performance at the opening of the conference, become particularly meaningful:

“Records are not just pieces of paper.”

Within records are the history of government, institutions, decisions and events that have shaped the nation. Preserving them ensures that present and future generations have an opportunity to understand where we came from and how we arrived where we are today.

That is why the moment in the conference hall carried a meaning far greater than the gift itself. Recognising one professional also served as a reminder to society of the value of an entire profession entrusted with protecting Tanzania’s documentary heritage.

I was also pleased to hear Msiangi dedicate the honour to the President’s Office, National Archives and Records Management Department, recognising that protecting the nation’s records is not the responsibility of one person alone, but the result of the efforts of institutions and many professionals working together.

And this is where two powerful observations I heard come together.

Mrisho Mpoto reminds us that records are not just pieces of paper; they carry meaning, history and a message for the nation. Latifa Binti Kibadeni, a Records Management Officer from the Mbeya Regional Commissioner’s Office, reminds us of the other side of the responsibility: those who preserve records are not working only for today, but are safeguarding them for tomorrow and even for people who have not yet been born.

In that sense, Mpoto reminds us why records matter, while Latifa reminds us why they must be preserved. Between these two ideas lies the deeper meaning of recognising Firimin Msiangi: acknowledging the contribution of someone who is part of the effort to ensure that our history is not lost.

Therefore, Mr. Firimin Msiangi, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

And to TRAMPA, congratulations for reminding us that those who protect records are also protecting a vital part of the nation’s history.