Established in 1967, the University of the Witwatersrand Archives is the oldest university archives in South Africa. Together with Student and Central Registry it forms part of the Central Records Office.

The Archives selects, preserves and make available, for administrative or research purposes, records documenting the origin, development and achievements of the University, as well the activities of its officials, academic staff and students.

Archival records dates back to the establishment of the School of Mines in Kimberley in 1896. This was the forerunner of the present University. The School of Mines moved to Johannesburg in 1904 and became the Transvaal Technical Institute. For more information go to historical overview.

Archival holdings include records of the University administration, printed materials about the University and the personal and professional papers of many academics and persons closely associated with the University. Unfortunately, the University has had no policy of compulsory deposit, so coverage is limited in some areas and at certain times totally unrepresented.

(Source: web.wits.ac.za/PlacesOfInterest/Archives/UniversityArchives/)