The Future of Records Management as a Profession at the Road Accident Fund in South Africa

The future of records management as a profession in government organisations is closely linked to the experience, training and qualifications of records management personnel – or the lack thereof. This study aimed to investigate the future of records management as a profession at the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa. A mixed-method research approach was employed, using a convergent design. The data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The target population included the Acting Senior Manager for Support Services, the Manager for Correspondence and Documents Management Services, as well as senior administrative officers, administrative officers, junior administrative officers and administrative assistants. The data were analysed both statistically (using MS Excel) and thematically (using MS Word), with findings presented through tables, graphs, figures and verbatim quotations. The study revealed that records management at the RAF is not regarded as a recognised profession. Consequently, many employees in the Correspondence and Documents Management Services business unit lack formal training, qualifications and experience in records management. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted training initiatives for these employees to professionalise records management in the organisation.