The Southern African Cultural Information System (SACIS)
| Date | 01 February 1998 |
| Pages | 15-21 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435129810198549 |
| Published date | 01 February 1998 |
| Author | A.P.N. Thapisa |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Introduction
The Southern African Development Co-
ordination Conference (SADCC) was recon-
stituted in August 1992 as the Southern
African Development Community (SADC).
With this development came a renewed deter-
mination to launch and consolidate an infra-
structure that is designed to deliver an effec-
tive implementation of economic
programmes. This development also saw the
parturition of SADC’s Cultural and Informa-
tion Sector whose main purpose is to meet the
challenges of facilitating regional co-operation
and integration. SADC needed to chart a new
course, one that places information and cul-
ture on top of its agenda. The Culture and
Information Sector therefore is expected to
play a key role in disseminating messages and
facilitating the implementation of projects and
policies. SADC, as an instrument for regional
development and co-ordination, could not see
itself effecting that role without a substantial
and effective information system. Sustainable
development and economic growth could not
possibly be achieved where culture and infor-
mation are ignored. The availability of infor-
mation is useful in explaining the necessity
and implications of development projects,
policies and strategies because of its capacity
to motivate people to work towards the fulfil-
ment of shared visions, goals, objectives and
destinies in a regional economy. People need
to be informed about their histories, values,
cultures and traditions which they hold in
common, or share. Well managed information
systems therefore support communication
which is essential for development, while, on
the other hand, culture provides the back-
ground against which development strategies
must be planned. Against this setting SADC
observed that the right to information consti-
tutes one of the fundamental human rights
enshrined in the Charter of the Human
Rights. Even so, it was abundantly clear that
there is insufficient information in SADC
about SADC, its activities and idiosyncrasies
of its component states. The communication
infrastructure itself is underdeveloped and,
where it bears semblance of development, it
serves the exclusive interests of the urban élite
(C.I.S.-SADC/2.OC/92-4.1-en).
SADC’s programme for regional co-opera-
tion in information was perceived to include
the following principles:
15
Library Management
Volume 19 · Number 1 · 1998 · pp. 15–21
© MCB University Press · ISSN 0143-5124
The Southern African
Cultural Information
System (SACIS)
A.P.N. Thapisa
The author
A.P.N. Thapisa is Head of Department of Library and
Information Studies at the University of Botswana,
Gaborone, Botswana and a member of the Editorial
Advisory Board of
Library Management
.
Abstract
Describes the development of the Southern African
Cultural Information System (SACIS), a project spearhead-
ed by the Southern African Development Community
(SADC). A substantial and effective information system is
considered essential for disseminating messages about
and facilitating the implementation of economic develop-
ment projects and policies in African states. Charts the
development of the SACIS including its objectives, funding
and implementation.
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