Three of the archivists of SABC Radio Archives were interviewed by SABC Radio stations about the importance of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage that is celebrated yearly on 27 October 2014.
The interviews are uploaded on SoundCloud.
Morongwa Mokwena, English Archivist, on 26 October on Media@SAFM on SAFM
Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist, on 27 October on Loslip, on RSG. (interview in Afrikaans)
Peter Raseroka, Ikwekwezi Archivist, on 27 October on Ikwekwezi FM (interview in isiNdebele)
Related posts:
- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2014 today
- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2014 on 27 October
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
New Music Librarian: Jacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson is the new music librarian at the Music Library. She has been at the SABC Music Library for 2 months.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Music Library?)
I was born and raised in then North West in a small town called Zeerust. I started my schooling in 1997 and matriculated in 2009 from Hoërskool Zeerust. I enrolled at the University of Pretoria (Tukkies) in 2010 doing my Bachelors of Information Science. I completed my degree in 2012 and graduated in record time in 2013. My work experience started with me doing some vacation work in retail stores but for my field of study it has been at the SABC where I started my internship in the Information Library of the SABC in 2013. After completing my internship programme I had a break where I started looking for something more permanent and I successfully landed the job at the Music Library.
Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve.
We have a vast amount of material in our collection, where our biggest category is the orchestral collection. We then have some vocal scores, light music, chamber music, choral music and voice and piano. Everything that we have in the library is worth preserving. Some of the material we have is still in the handwriting of the composer and/or we are the only library that still have it.
Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What material do you give priority to?
My day starts at 08:00 till 16:30. I start by checking emails and if there are any queries. Currently we are looking at importing to a digital platform, so I also do some research on what other music libraries use so that we conform to a standardised form of cataloguing. Our priority now is the orchestral and vocal scores because they get requested more often by clients. We want to start ingesting them into Inmagic as it will save us a lot of time and help us being able respond promptly to clients' requests.
Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
So far I haven’t really experienced major technical difficulties.
If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting music or musical instrument, please share it with us.
Getting to learn more about the instruments and even material is something that I cherish. The one story that always comes to mind is the Steinway Piano we have in the M1 studio. I got to learn that the piano actually has a life support system underneath it. The life support system is actually a humidity control system which keeps the piano in tune and prevents damage from climate changes. What happens is water and some form of chemical used for piano life support systems is mixed together and poured into the piano through a pipe which keeps its piano’s tune in place. This was such a fascinating discovery. And that piano is just beautiful!
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
I love that I always learn something new every day. I love music and apart from not being that familiar with the classical music genre I am still very much open to new adventures. I also love what I do because I am able to learn how to play an instrument or two as well.
Related post:
- The Music Librarian - SABC Media Libraries
Blog post and questions by Karen du Toit
Friday, May 16, 2014
Interview with an intern at the SABC Polokwane Media Library: Simon Mabetlela
SABC Polokwane has acquired the service of Simon Mabetlela, a qualified librarian.
The intern will be here for couple of months to acquire valuable skills, but also to help with the workflows at SABC Polokwane Media Library.
Please tell us about your personal history as well as your studies. How did you become an intern here at SABC?
I am Simon Thapedi Mabetlela from the Ga-matlala district. I started my primary studies at Nare Mohlalerwa School in Ga-Sebotse Village and therefore went for my secondary studies at Mokateng Secondary at Rosenkraans Village. I then furthered my tertiary studies at the University of Limpopo, where I did BA Media studies and a Post- Graduate Diploma in Information studies. I am now holding an intern position at the SABC Limpopo Combo’s Media library.
What does your job entail here at SABC?
I am involved in the processing, preservation and retrieval of historical material which is of importance to the public. These processes includes selection, editing, cataloguing and recording audio clips onto compact discs. I also assist in the books section where I help clients in accessing their desired books. Other functions include shelving and assisting within the record library in searching records for patrons and attending to internal and external enquiries.
What have you learned already while you have been there?
I have learnt many things, including work ethics and professionalism, communication skills and team work, and usage of library automation software systems.
Tell us of any interesting anecdotes story with regards to your internship
The internship helps in co-relating theory into practice and provides me with much needed experience. It helps me to translate what I have learnt at school into practice. It puts me in a working environment and makes me to explore the work sphere and apply my career related functions at large.
What are you planning to do after this?
I would like to finish my internship programme and hopefully be absorbed for a permanent position within the corporation. I really want to grow within the library and information management field as it is within my field of study.
Related posts:
- Interview with a student at SABC Polokwane Media Library
- Interview with an intern at the SABC Information Library: Veronica Machate
- Interview with an intern at the SABC Information Library: Agrineth Mashile
Blog post and questions by Karen du Toit
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Interview with a student at the SABC Polokwane Media Library
SABC Polokwane has acquired the service of student Surprise Phadu, busy with a Bachelor of Information Science (BINF).
The student will be here for five weeks to acquire valuable skills, but also to help with the workflows at SABC Polokwane Media Library.
Questions are asked to understand the type of skills that she has to offer, but also to get a better understanding of what she is doing at SABC Polokwane.
Please tell us about your personal history as well as your studies. How did you become a student working here at SABC?
My name is Surprise Phadu, a registered student of the University of South Africa. I am a final year student in the field of Information Science. I came to SABC to observe the working environment within the media library and to know what is happening within the profession.
What does your job as student entails here at SABC?
My position was to observe the processes with regards preservation and acquisition of the SABC material. I rotated through all the sections within the Media Library; from Archives, Acquisition, the Book Library to the Circulation desk. I have also made use of various systems and have increased my knowledge in the field of technology. Now I know the responsibilities of the information librarians and archivists within the profession and I am hoping to come back for an internship in the future to get hands-on training within the field.
What have you learned already while you have been there?
I have learned what is required from an Archivist and an Information Librarian, and how to work with different library users; the internal and the external clients. I had gained priceless experience within the Media Library and the knowledge I acquired I will not get anywhere else. It has encouraged me to build on it in the future.
Tell us of any interesting anecdotes with regards to working at SABC Media Library in Polokwane?
The interesting part of working within the Media Library comes with the use of various systems and the technical part of it.
What are you planning to do after this?
I am planning to visit the SABC in Auckland Park to broaden the knowledge I have at present and I am hoping they won’t deny me an opportunity. I told myself that this is the beginning of a long journey to the profession in Information Management.
Blog post and questions by Karen du Toit.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Interview with an intern in the SABC Radio Archives: Akhona Quwe
SABC Radio Archives has acquired the intern services of Akhona Quwe, a qualified sound engineer.
The intern will be here for 8 months to acquire valuable skills, but also to help with the workflows at SABC Radio Archives.
Questions are asked to understand the type of skills that she has to offer, but also to get a better understanding of what she is doing at SABC Radio Archives.
Please tell us about your personal history as well as your studies. How did you become an intern here at SABC?
I grew up in family with quite a number of children; from my twin, to our brother and sister who are also twins. I was born and raised in Eastern Cape where I studied and passed my matric. Becoming an intern was quite a process to acquire in-depth knowledge about the operational workings at the SABC. I first become a learner in Port Elizabeth and after a period of internship, I was recruited in the SABC Radio Archives.
What does your job entail here at SABC?
Ingestion of sound from backlog mini discs to Dalet, labeling of CDs and DVDs, recording on Wavelab , and editing on Dalet and Wavelab.
What have you learned already while you have been there?
How to ingest sound in the archives and how to label CDRs and DVDs.
Tell us of any interesting anecdotes story with regards to your internship.
I am quite reserved but I do visit people to seek assistance when I get confused but as for any funny stories I have not experienced any yet.
What are you planning to do after this?
To get a job as an archivist and to further my studies.
Related posts:
- Intern in the SABC Radio Archives: Mbali Jzele - an interview
- Interview with an intern at the SABC Radio Archives: NOKUTHULA MZELEMU
- SABC Radio Archives: interview with an intern – Thakani Ramufhufhi
- The value of internship in the SABC Radio Archives
Blog post & questions by Karen du Toit
Friday, February 1, 2013
Thoughts about internship in the SABC Media Libraries
Justice Leshilo has been an intern at the SABC Information Library for the last ten months.
He answered a few questions yesterday, his last day in the office.
What are some of the most important things you will take with you after you leave the SABC Media Libraries?
You know, I was lucky to be part of the Media libraries and most importantly the SABC as a whole.
It was my dream to learn and acquire skills for special libraries. I now know how to handle info requests, as well as scanning and indexing of newspapers; and much more.
Did you enjoy your time here while doing the internship, and why?
I enjoyed every single day of my time here. This was my first actual job straight from university. We heard about some issues where interns are being sent to and fro to do coffee for the seniors...I was a bit anxious at first, but it was not the case.
I was placed in the hands of warm people who told me to let loose, work hard and ask when I don’t understand. They taught me more about life and work. It felt like I knew them before, but this is my first time in Johannesburg. I am sad that I am leaving, BUT good that I pocketed much sought after experience. Thanks to the hand that selected me during interviews I will not disappoint them and will never forget them.
Would you recommend doing an internship?
Yes, this is a platform to tell other employers that you do not only have a qualification, but you also have the experience. It is very hard to get a break in the job market in with just a mere qualification fresh from university.
What are your plans for the future?
Having completed my internship from such a big organization, the future looks good.
I am now confident that I will be able to work at other media organizations/companies.
------
Best wishes for a bright future, Justice!
Related post:
Interview with an intern in the SABC Information Library - Justice Leshilo
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The new Archivist interview – English Archivist Lucal Mokwena
 |
| Lucal Mokwena, English Archivist SABC Radio Archives |
The SABC Radio Archives has archivists who focus specifically on a specific radio station and/or an indigenous language. This is part of a series of interviews where the archivists answer some questions addressed to them about their daily work in the archives.
It is a way of getting a better understanding of what an archivist do, as well as getting a better insight into the scope of our collections.
The Archivist answering the questions is Lucal Mokwena, a new archivist who started in the SABC Radio Archives about two months ago.
She is the archivist for English programmes.
1. Lucal, please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Radio Archives)
My name is Lucal Morongwa Mokwena and I grew up in Moletsane, Soweto. I studied BA Audio Visual Production Management at the University of Johannesburg. I am currently studying for a Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management at UNISA. I started working at the SABC in 2008 as an intern for Content Enterprises: Operations Department and then for Summit TV in 2010. Before joining SABC Radio Archives in October I worked at Newsclip Media Monitoring for 2 years as a Broadcast Media Scanner.
2. What is your job description?
As a Sound Archivist my job description entails acquiring of audio material, appraising, editing, cataloguing, quality checking and preserving.
3. Please tell us about a normal day in your studio. What material do you work with?
I work mostly with material from SAFM (drama, book readings, interviews), a bit of Metro FM as well as Radio 2000 on SABC. On a normal day I catalogue on NDM, write CDs and create labels. I also do quality checks and schedule programmes for download on Netlog.
4. Do you struggle with technical difficulties?
Yes, I do struggle technically but I have learned that I don’t have to suffer in silence as my colleagues are always willing to assist.
5. If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting audio material, please share it with us.
Since I have started working here about a month ago I have been listening to drama from SAFM and I must say that its not only entertaining but it is quite informative and educational. One specific audio material which I found very interesting is a book reading on the Nelson Mandela Story. I have read his biography before but it just doesn’t get tiring.
6. Why do you enjoy this work?
I enjoy my work because its new material everyday so its not boring. Also I don’t just preserve material for access but I stay informed on a daily basis.
Related post:
The weekly archivist interview: English Archivist
Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist, SABC Radio Archives.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The new archivist interview: Sound Restoration
 |
| Obakeng Phiri Archivist: Sound Restoration SABC Radio Archives |
He has been an intern with us for a couple of months, and he started to work here on the 1st of August 2012.
The previous interview with Obakeng was about his internship at the SABC Radio Archives.
His duties are different now than before when he was an intern here.
Obakeng, please tell us about a normal day in your studio.
I am self motivated because I am very passionate about being an audio restoration archivist.
Every snippet of audio content I work with contains interesting information. It adds to my anticipation of looking forward doing my job each day!
My job involves the separation of sound from the format it was recorded on. It also involves the “cleaning” of sound, getting rid of clicks, pops, scratches and hiss that often plague the original recordings.
In some instances, the desired sound is so close in character to the noise, that the noise cannot be cleaned so as not to sacrifice parts of the sound that we want to keep.
The workflow is not complicated, but it must be performed carefully to achieve the best results.
Every experience in the studio is a learning curve. I learn different subjects from history, politics as well as listening to radio dramas.
Depending on the mood I am in, every hour is spent on a different subject.
Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve.
I work with most of SABC’s radio broadcast material, which includes radio dramas, radio features, actuality and many more. One example is a feature programme on Bertha Solomon, pioneer of women’s rights in South Africa.
Do you have an anecdote about an interesting piece of audio material that you have encountered?
The following is in our collection: ‘’I am an African’’ speech by Thabo Mbeki.
It introduces his vision on the African Renaissance, which is about empowering Africa economically and socially.
Why did you want to work here again after you have completed your internship here?
When I first came here for the first time as an intern, I already knew that I wanted to work at the SABC Radio Archives. It felt like I was home! Due to my passion for the job, I was given the chance to prove myself. It paid off in the end!
I am very grateful for it, praise God!
Related posts:
- Interview with an intern at the SABC Radio Archives: Obakeng Phiri
- The value of internship in the SABC Radio Archives
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Interview with an Archivist at SABC Polokwane
Phindile Maringa is an archivist from the SABC Media Libraries. She relocated on 1 August 2012 from the SABC Radio Archives in Johannesburg, to being the archivist in SABC Media Libraries, Polokwane.
The archivists in the regions are doing things in a different way and on a different scale than here in Johannesburg. They are sometimes expected to be and do more than their initial job requirements specify for an archivist.
It is extremely interesting to have an interview with an archivist who has been working here at head office, and to now compare how things are being done in the regions.
Phindile, please tell us a why you moved to SABC Polokwane.
I took a transfer back home because I wanted to be with my family. Working a distance away from the kids and my partner initially put strain on me as I had to travel back home each weekend.
I say thanks to the SABC for granting my request.
What can you tell us about SABC Polokwane?
SABC Polokwane is a warm welcoming area, where I feel comfortable to share my skills and knowledge acquired. The natural warm feeling comes when one gets greeted by various personnel, who are already calling me by my name. This helps me feel at home and welcomed.
Please tell us about a normal day in your office
I usually prioritize on request and cataloguing news and actuality. It feels good to directly deal with clients. [Which she mostly did not do have to attend to when she was in HQ]
Besides cataloguing and attending to customer requests, I do recordings of day to day broadcasts of Thobela Fm. I transfer recordings onto cd format.
I also sort and make a selection of material to catalogue and file.
Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve in the archives in Polokwane
My collection includes a backlog of reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, mini-discs and cd’s which contains all broadcasted material for Thobela Fm.
Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
Yes, I do struggle, but with the interference of the BIT team, my trouble get sorted right away after logging a call.
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do
I enjoy being an information officer because I get to know what is current information globally.
I have a greater awareness of what is happening in my surrounding areas as well.
Furthermore, it gives me a chance to use various operating and information systems and to be technologically inclined.
Related post:
The weekly archivist interview: English Archivist
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives
Friday, August 17, 2012
Interview with the new Junior Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library
This is part of an ongoing series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. The interviews are generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections and breaking the silos between us.
The interview this week is with Image Sibuyi, a new Junior Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library, who started to work here on 14 May this year.
The Record Library houses all genres of recorded music. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)
I was born and raised in Buckbuckridge (Mpumalanga) in the village of Cork Trust, near the town of Hazyview . I started school in 1994 at Mkhumbini Primary School and matriculated in 2005 at Dumisani High School. Due to financial reasons in 2006 I was unable to enroll in a tertiary institution.
I went to the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, in 2007 and enrolled for the Bachelor of commerce in Business Management and Human Resource Management which I successfully completed in 2009.
In 2010 I enrolled for a Higher Diploma in information Studies (HDINF) which I completed the same year.
During the academic year 2010, as part of a practicum course, I had to attend practicals for four weeks at the Library of my choice. I chose the SABC Media Library in Polokwane. Fortunately during my practicals I could apply for an internship at SABC Mpumalanga.
I was successfully appointed as a Record Librarian intern from 01 February 2011 until 31 March 2012.
During my last week of internship I applied for the Junior Record Library post. I was successful in my application and started to work in May 2012.
Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve in the record library.
In the Record Library we believe that music or sound/s never die or expire. We preserve all kinds of physical CD music genres (House, Rock, RNB, Hip Hop, Classic, etc.), from old to the latest, of which are played by all of the SABC Radio Stations.
Most importantly we require copyright information.
We also keep mood music and sound effects which are used by radio and television personnel.
Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?
I do the capturing of music which requires the copyright information from SAMRO such as title, performer, record label, composer, and publisher, etc. I liaise with the other SABC regions to avoid duplications. I also advise clients with regards the registering of copyright information and how to make it visible on the physical CD. I also help out at the front desk service with issuing and returning of CDs.
Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
The music industry is migrating to digital. The SABC Record Library are facing challenges in terms of the recording companies who are cutting costs on sampling physical CDs for us, especially of the international music.
Luckily we have a very reliable computerized library system.
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
First of all I love working for the one of the biggest Broadcast Corporations. It comes with pride and joy.
Ever since I join the SABC I have developed an interest in music. The capturing of music entails listening to music before capturing, so I enjoy “dancing with my head” while doing my work.
I also enjoy helping artists with the information of registering their music.
Related posts:
Interview with the Manager of the SABC Record Library
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: Sound effects and moods music
Interview with Aaron Magoro at SABC Radio Archives
Interview with a Systems Administrator at the SABC Record Library
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The new Archivist interview: News & Actuality Archivist – Ntokozo Khanyile
.jpg+-+Ntokozo.jpg)
This is part of a series of interviews where I am posing the same questions to each of the Archivists.
The recently appointed archivist in the News & Actuality section is Ntokozo Khanyile.
She started in the SABC Radio Archives from June this year , and she is now responsible for all the news and actuality radio archival material.
Ntokozo, please tell us about where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Radio Archives.
I grew up in Protea North, Soweto. I studied at the University of Johannesburg and finished my BA Information Science degree in 2008. In 2009 I started with BA (Hons) Information Management which I am yet to complete. Before joining the SABC in April, I worked at South African National Parks (Sanparks), Afrizan Personnel and CSIR.
Please tell us about a normal day in your studio. What material do you give priority to?
I normally do cataloguing of available material. I usually prioritise new material from SABC News, especially press conferences and important speeches.
Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve.
My collection is made up of actuality from SAfm, Metrofm and RSG, as well as anything I receive from the SABC News department.
Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
I'm not a very technically gifted individual but I try my best not to break anything into a thousand pieces. I haven’t gotten the necessary technical training but I have managed to maneuver around the studio and figured how almost everything works.
If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting audio material, please share it with us.
Most of the audio material I get is about news that I know of already because I tend to read from every other online news source there is. But what is interesting, is hearing the different views that people give on various issues and that opens up a new way of thinking about, seeing and analyzing the issues at hand.
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
I enjoy the work I am doing because it’s something new and I am always looking to learn something new. I have also gotten a different perspective of archives; that it’s not as boring and menial as most people make it sound.
Related post:
The Weekly archivist interview: News and Actuality (Markus Mmutlana, our previous News and Actuality archivist)
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Interview with an intern at the SABC Information Library - Justice Leshilo
The purpose of the intern-ship is to acquire valuable skills, but also to help with the workflows in the SABC Information Library.
Justice Leshilo is a qualified librarian.
Questions are asked to understand the type of skills that he has to offer, but also to get a better understanding of what he is doing here in the SABC Information Library.
Please tell us about your personal history as well as your studies. How did you become an intern here at SABC?
I was born and raised in Sekhukhune (Limpopo) in a village called Ga-masemola. I started school in 1991 and matriculated in 2003. I went to the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, in 2004 and enrolled for BPSCH (Psychology). I dropped out in 2005. In 2006 I started with BA-Social Science which I successfully completed in 2010. In 2011 I enrolled fro Higher Diploma in information Studies (HDINF) which I completed the same year. During my studies I volunteered for being a peer counselor at the counseling centre and a lab assistant at our general lab purpose of ICT. I was later promoted to be a supervisor of the labs. I also did my practical in our academic library and a four week practical at SABC Limpopo in 2011. I heard about this internship from my friend and former varsity mate Agrineth Mashile. I applied and went through the interviews and fortunately was appointed in April of this year.
What does your job entail here at SABC?
My job in the information library entails scanning, cutting and indexing of newspaper articles in the newspaper section using the Newbase system. It includes indexing, cataloguing, classification, issuing and shelving of books in the books section, as well as indexing articles, receiving and filing in the magazines sections. My job also involves indexing SABC bulletins that will be digitized in future. We also deal with information requests from internal and outside clients.
What have you learned already while you have been there?
I have learned important skills of scanning a newspaper, responding to information requests and indexing of articles in many formats and also learned working in a busy media organization.
Tell us of any interesting anecdotes story with regards to your intern-ship.
I have found myself being a colleague of TV and radio personalities that I used to admire (still does) and I have to learn to stop being a fan but a colleague, sometimes awkward.
Tell us about you social media involvement for the SABC Media Libraries.
I love social media and being involved in social networks. I am active on Twitter and the blogs of the SABC Media Libraries when I have time. I participated on International Archives Day on June 9 2012 where I tweeted for most of the day using the hashtag #archday12. I have learned a lot and have marked it as one of my favourites.
What are you planning to do after this?
I have developed a love of media archiving and media libraries. I am looking forward to work in a broadcasting related field or any type of media organization.
Related posts:
Interview with an intern in the SABC Information Library - Agrineth Mashile
Interview with an intern in the SABC Information Library - Veronica Machate
Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Interview with a Librarian/Archivist at SABC Platfontein
 |
| Moshe Maghundu |
We are also doing interviews with the regions as well.
The regions are doing things on a different scale, and sometimes they are multi-skilling on a daily basis, such as Moshe Maghundu, Librarian AND Archivist at SABC Platfontein.
Moshe, please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined SABC Platfontein)
My name is Moshe and my surname is Maghundu. My parents call me Kxoegoe, a typical San name. I grew up in the Republic of Namibia and I went to school while in Namibia till grade 12.
I continued my studies in Windhoek where I studied Theology at an institution called NETS (Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminar). I completed my Bachelor in Theology in four years.
While in South Africa, I got training at UNISA and I worked for the Linguistic department as a researcher in linguistics to the !un and Khwe languages of Platfontein.
I worked with a video camera recording different stories of the San. I had to burn it on a DVD and transcribe/translate the exact story to English. The final product was sent to UNISA for further usage.
That was my first work experience.
Please tell us more about SABC Platfontein.
SABC Platfontein-X-K fm has staff members from two of our communities, the !xun and Khwe. We have 8 deejays; 4 !xun and 4 Khwe to enjoy equal coverage. In addition to that, the station broadcasts in Afrikaans as well and cover news in languages spoken in South Africa.
We have two programme producers for SABC education. Our programme coordinator is a man and a !xun and our station manager is woman and from the Khwe community.
The radio station X-K fm is outside of Kimberley; 7km from Kimberley to the direction of Barkley west and we are in the Northern Cape.
Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What library or archival jobs do you give priority to?
My daily duties in this office are very hectic because I have two demanding jobs.
Library:
Deejays and the compilers come to borrow CDs.
I have to issue out and return these CDs daily.
I receive CDs from JHB which I have to capture or add shelf numbers on to the system and barcode them.
I have to return these CDs to their shelves and make sure that they are available and accessible.
Sound archives:
I get recorded DVDs of preselected radio programmes from main control.
I have to edit the archive audio and burn it onto a CDR, as well as design cover labels.
The next step is the capturing [Cataloguing] of the information of these CDs on NDMP (Natural Document Management).
I do video recordings as well. If there is a historical event that happens here I record and keep it for heritage and archival purposes.
Recently I have started collecting the San instruments, their art work and even drums for the archive.
This work is not specified in my job description, but I have realised that it is equally important as keeping the audiovisual heritage, for our elders are dying and these things might become extinct.
Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve in the library/archives.
I mentioned most already, but at the moment I’m busy with sound archives (audio).
Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
I have in my office the SABC Record Library computer, the archive computer with WaveLab software for sound editing and NDM for cataloguing. Attached to it are the audio mixer and Dalet (Digital Audio System) which I manage well.
My previous studies helped me a lot, and SABC gives training to be able to be very useful and productive in all that I do.
If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting information, please share it with us.
One thing I have discovered about myself during my days with the SABC is the fact that the SABC is making me multi-talented.
I have to go out with my colleagues on outside broadcasts (OBs). I do musical recordings here at the station. When we experience a power failure and the generator fails, I have to help them out by fixing the problem.
When there is a Dalet problem, I run around helping the presenters /producers. I even assist with small problems with the computers.
I never got IT training, but my background studies at college helps me with it.
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
One good reason why I enjoy the work I’m doing, is that I like very challenging work. The fact that music and broadcasting has always been my passion since childhood and finding me working for the department of my dreams is like a dream coming true!
That is why I am doing all that I am doing for the SABC.
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, SABC Radio Archives.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Last day of an archivist on the job - Markus Mmutlana (Vlog1)
He describes how he came to realize the importance of archives after he started working as an archivist in the Sound Archives.
See a previous interview with him about his daily work as an archivist:
The Weekly Archivist interview: News and Actuality archivist
It is sad to see a lifetime of acquired knowledge walk out of the archives. Markus has a wealth of experience and information in the Broadcasting Industry as well as the history of South Africa through his work as a news and actuality archivist. He was unable to carry some of that tacit knowledge over to a new successor because posts have been frozen. It was not possible for him to teach his successor while he was still working here.
May you enjoy your retirement, Markus!
This is an experimental Vlog by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
(Apologies for the less-than-perfect quality as it was recorded on a cellphone.)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library
 |
| Vickey Steyn, SABC Record Library |
The interview this week is with Vickey Steyn, a Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library.
The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)
I grew up in Heidelberg Gauteng, where I am residing to this day. I went to AG Visser Primary School, and matriculated in 2002 at Hoër Volkskool. After school I didn’t want to study, so I worked at Pick a Pay for a year. Following that I waitressed at Heidelberg Pub en Restaurant during the night and worked at Evermaster Int. Import and Export Company during the day. Evermaster closed down and moved overseas. I then worked for AVBOB as an administration clerk. In 2007 I joined the SABC as a Receptionist, and after two years I applied for the vacancy in the Record Library… And this is where my journey began!
Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?
A normal day in my office is to capture music cd’s on the Record Library system. Every Tuesday we receive cd’s from different record companies. You mingle with different personalities at the record companies. After we’ve received the cd’s we have to listen to it so that we can give it a classification to capture it on the system. I’m also doing the TOP 20 every week. It is called “The Top 20 sales of CD’s sold” which RSG is broadcasting on air every Saturday between 13:00 and 14:00; it’s also placed on the web on a weekly basis.
Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
Yes, but it usually get sorted out very quickly by Gary from BIT. Didn’t come across anything yet that couldn’t be sorted out.
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
There is not a thing in my work that I don’t enjoy… Everything that I’m doing is satisfying. Sometimes there are times that you struggle with something, but it’s not a huge thing that spoils your work situation. I work with great colleagues. I can’t imagine a working day without them. They make you feel like being part of a team, and with this “team” you can never have a dull moment or feel left out!
Related posts:
Interview with an assistant record librarian in the SABC Record Library
Interview with Aaron Magoro at the SABC Record Library
Interview with a Systems Adiministrator at the SABC Record Library
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Interview with the Personal Assistant to the Manager of the Media Libraries: Porcia Ntozini
 |
| Porcia Ntozini, PA to the Manager of the SABC Media Libraries |
Porcia Ntozini is the PA to Ilse Assmann, the Manager of the SABC Media Libraries, since 2008. The Media Libraries at this stage consists of the SABC Radio Archives, the SABC Music Library, the SABC Record Library, the SABC Information Library and SABC Audio Restoration. Porcia attends to all these departments’ administrative needs as well!
Please give us a short overview of your life and career. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Media Libraries)
I was born in (Tladi) Soweto.
I attended my schooling in Soweto.
After obtaining my matric certificate I went to Lesley Carnelly Business College to study Business Skills in which I excelled.
I was one of the 10th students which were selected for Internship with big Organisations like SABC, ESKOM, and ERNEST & YOUNG etc.
So that’s how I joined SABC as a young lady in 1994 as an Intern at Protection Services. I am now married with 3 children.
I managed to get a permanent post at Protection Services as a Clerk.
Later in years I was the Secretary of the department until 2008.
In March 2008 I was appointed at Travel Office as a Finance Administrator but I didn’t stay long.
In December 2008 joined Media Library as An Administrator.
In 2010 I enrolled with UNISA to study Purchasing & Supply Management programme which I obtained the certificate for; I am so proud of myself.
Please tell us about a normal day in your office.
I have to answer phones promptly and professionally and take messages and direct calls.
The smooth running of the office, typing, travel arrangements, processing payments, loading requests and reservations are also part of my daily assignments. I have to arrange meetings and take and distribute minutes. I look after the processing of special leave and sundry debtors. I am liaising with staff all the time.
How do you cope with handling the different sections in the Media Libraries?
By treating everybody equally and attending to their queries or needs as promptly as I can.
Do you have any issues with regards technical difficulties?
Not really we have a SAP help desk & consultants who looks after the systems.
Do you have an interesting anecdote about your work her in the SABC Media Libraries during your years here at the SABC?
When I joined the Media Libraries I found that there were outstanding payments for different supplies. The reason was SABC introduced a new system called SAP which was new to everybody so most of the process was not correctly done on SAP.
It was very interesting to listen to the managers’ frustrations. I was in charge of correcting the process on SAP, to make sure that all outstanding payments were paid. That helped me to improve my knowledge on SAP.
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
I love working with SAP.
I enjoy liaising with people which is part of my work.
I have a passion for procurement and it is part of my work. That is why I enjoy my work!
Related post:
Interview with the Manager of the Media Libraries: Ilse Assmann
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Interview with the Manager of the Media Libraries: Ilse Assmann
 |
| Ilse Assmann Manager: SABC Media Libraries |
The Media Libraries is a SABC information hub. It was formed in 1996 by bringing together the relevant units to provide content and information to Radio and TV, both audio and print. The Media Libraries currently comprises the SABC Radio Archives, the SABC Music Library, the SABC Record Library, the SABC Information Library, and the SABC Sound Restoration Unit. Ilse Assmann has been the Manager since 2006.
Ilse, with the assistance of Media Library colleagues, led and guided the implementation of the Information Management Project, which included the roll-out of the approved File Plan under the custodianship of the Company Secretariat. She is currently leading the proposed merger of all SABC archives and libraries to form an integrated Information Management & Archives unit as part of the SABC Turnaround Strategy.
Please give us a short overview of your life and career. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you became the Manager of the SABC Media Libraries)
I was born in Pretoria but never lived there. We were always on the move because of the nature of my father’s work and we lived in Rustenburg when I wrote matric. I then went to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth to study music and did extremely well in socialising, but not so well in my music studies. However, I completed a music qualification, and went on to teach music in Franshhoek, Western Cape. After a year I decided to move closer to home and accepted a teaching post in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The SABC approached me in 1985 for a position in the Radio Archives. At the time I had to look up the word "archive" in the dictionary to see what it was I was letting myself in for. For some reason I was given the job and fell head over heels in love with it.
I went on to obtain a BA and BA Hons degree at the University of Johannesburg. The SABC gave me the opportunity to do a management course at UNISA in the mid 1990’s and soon after UNISA enabled audiovisual archivists to enrol for their Advanced Archive Course, which a few of us did. Currently I am busy with an M.Com in Knowledge and Information Management at the University of Johannesburg.
My work at the SABC has been varied over the years in spite of the perception that archivists work in isolation. I became very involved with archive organisations and activities, and tried to ensure that the SABC Media Libraries and audiovisual archives in general receive the recognition they deserve. I think there has been an improvement since our "early" days in the 1980’s, and that the role of audiovisual archives is gaining more recognition. Audiovisual Archives play a crucial role in the preservation of the world’s collective memory.
Please tell us about a normal day in your office.
A usual day is packed with meetings, responding to emails, writing reports, attending to admin and too many cups of coffee.
I meet regularly with my team to discuss work and plan how to improve our services and ensure our collections are properly preserved and used. It is common for businesses to spend money on staff, storage and equipment, without being sufficiently aware of their archives and how they can be best utilised. We have over the last few years embarked on a few initiatives to "market" ourselves better in the SABC. Your social media initiative is a good example of this and is very exciting.
As you mentioned in the introduction, the Media Libraries is the umbrella over the Information Library, which includes a books, magazine and newspaper cuttings collection. The newspaper cuttings collection dates back to 1927 and is a great source for researchers; the Record Library, which really is a music library with its huge collections of vinyl (LPs) and CD recordings; the Radio Archives with its long history of audio going back to the first broadcast by General Jan Smuts in 1927, but also including copies of the first South African recordings in 1906; A Sound Restoration Unit, which does the re-mastering and restoration of the SABC Transcription collection; and the Music Library, which includes not only beautiful instruments such as valuable piano’s and harps, but also safeguards music scores, some still in the handwriting of the composer. In addition to these collections, we also oversee the functions of the Regional Media Libraries. There are currently 9 regional or provincial Media Libraries, catering primarily for the needs of the Radio Stations in those regions.
Digitisation is a very exciting future prospect and we are eager to get on board. We have made a start by putting the Information Library catalogues on the SABC Intranet – eventually we would like all our catalogues to be available on the Intranet first and later the Internet. We also started to experiment with workflows to see what the result and effect of changed workflows will have and so far it looks very promising. Our biggest challenge, apart from changing workflows, will be to digitise our legacy collections, but I am sure that once we have tasted the first successes of internal digital access countrywide, as well as the online receipt and cataloguing of our collections, everybody will be on board and excited.
Please tell us about the implementation of the Information Management Project.
The Information Management Project was very challenging as we had to implement for all practical purposes, Records Management, in the SABC. It involved drafting a corporate File Plan, getting approval from the National Archive, and getting buy-in from the SABC management and staff. It also introduced us to formal project management, which was a learning curve for me and my team. I was very fortunate to have had a great team and support from our CFO, who was also the Executive Sponsor. Part of rolling out the project, was to build a storage area, the Written Archive, for the SABC’s paper records. We are currently working to systematically capture all our older paper records on an indexing system we acquired for this purpose. The next step will be to obtain a suitable Electronic Records Management System. This is being investigated at the moment.
We are currently working on a very exciting project which is a proposed integrated Information Management and Archive (IM&A). It is part of the SABC’s Turnaround Strategy and we hope that the Board will approve our proposal. The IM&A will, for the first time, consolidate all the archive and library services in the SABC, both Radio and TV, inclusive of print, audio and video, and will integrate workflows in preparation for the Digitisation Project. This is an extremely challenging but exciting project. The integrated workflows will mean that radio archivists will need to learn about video archiving and TV archivists will have to learn more about sound. Naturally we have resistance from people who have been doing the same job for a long time and who have been reporting to the same division over many years. We have to very carefully plan how to overcome the resistance and at the same time ensure that the integration will be successful.
Do you have any issues with regard to technical difficulties and the scope of the collections?
Do you have any issues with regard to technical difficulties and the scope of the collections?
As with all audiovisual archives, we experience challenges with regard to obsolete equipment, deteriorating sound carriers, new digital equipment and carriers and recommendations from suppliers that do not necessarily meet the archive requirements. As we are members of IASA (International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives, www.iasa-web.org) we are up to date with standards and trends in the archive world regarding technical and other archival matters. IASA has become known for establishing standards in the industry and is widely respected as such by e.g. the EU and UNESCO.
Tell us more about the collections that your department oversees, and future plans with regard to digitization.
Tell us more about the collections that your department oversees, and future plans with regard to digitization.
Our collections are huge and we simply do not have the necessary staff to deal with the full extent of our collections. In the regions, we have an even bigger problem with only one archivist assigned to a Radio Stations’ collection. But the Media Library has a very willing and enthusiastic team that tackles challenges head-on and together we are looking to find solutions. Experimenting with workflows in the Radio Archives and the Information Library is one way to see how we can overcome some of the bottlenecks. We hope, and know it will take more than “hope”, that the digital workflows will assist our work in a positive way so that the work becomes more manageable.
Do you have an interesting anecdote about the collections during your years here at the SABC?
There were so many! Dealing with collectors and trying to make sure that our catalogues are extensive always lead to interesting stories. This also led to many great mentors who guided me along the way, for which I am very grateful. How to answer your question adequately in this space? I think I’ll rather invite you for coffee!
Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
I guess I have always liked history, and I like the fact that broadcast archives are much more immediate than our paper archive equivalent. I am also curious by nature. But it was the technology and the access to information that grabbed my attention when I started in the Radio Archives. I worked with the contemporary music collection and had to catalogue music genres about which I knew nothing at the time. This led to extensive listening through our catalogues and various research projects, which in turn led to field work (oral history interviews and recordings). These days it is still the technology, but the added challenge of making ourselves more accessible that gets me up in the morning. It is very, very satisfactory when we get a nod of approval from our clients or when a new client discover us and is excited about what we have to offer.
My years in management have made me to appreciate the teams I work with, and I find it very rewarding when I see how initiatives such as your social media project gets off the ground. We have a few projects in the Media Library, all driven by people like you and all exciting and successful. Looking back and seeing the progress actually made is equally pleasing.
Working with information the way we do, the technology, the challenges, the people - what is there not to like about my job?
Related posts:
Interview with the Principal Librarian at the SABC Information Library
The weekly archivist interview with the Manager of the SABC Radio Archives
Related posts:
Interview with the Principal Librarian at the SABC Information Library
The weekly archivist interview with the Manager of the SABC Radio Archives
Questions and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Weekly Archivist interview: Sport Archivist
The SABC Radio Archivists specializes in specific areas of expertise with regards the audio collections being kept in the Archives. This is part of a series of weekly interviews where I am posing the same questions to each of the Archivists. The SABC Radio Archives is part of the SABC Media Libraries in the South African Broadcasting Corporation.2. Please tell us about a normal day in your studio. What material do you give priority to?
The Archivist answering the questions this week is Johann Greyling. He is the Sport Archivist.
He has been with the Radio Archives for 15 years, and he is the Team Leader as well as the Database Manager for the Cataloguing team in the SABC Radio Archives.
1. Johann, please tell us about where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Radio Archives.
I grew up in the Eastern Cape, in a small town, Alexandria. From the Eastern Cape I migrated to the Boland for my high school years at the Pioneer School in Worcester. From there I found my way to UJ, then known as RAU, where I completed my B.Comm. degree in Sports Management. I joined the Radio Archives straight from varsity on 01/12/1995. I at least moved office once since then...
Well, I come in, check my mail, then go for coffee, then check my mail again, then morning tea... LOL!3. Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve.
No, what I try to do is prioritize all sport commentary. All matches broadcasted by the SABC. The three main stream sports normally take centre stage. After that I comb through all the sport magazine programs scavenging for interesting and valuable audio. Radio Services I look after includes Radio 2000, RSG, SAFM and Metro FM.
I also keep an eye on the Radio Archives database, NDM (Natural Document Management) to ensure quality cataloguing and I look after the control fields, cataloguing standards etc.
All our collections are basically divided into two groups, a backlog and a permanent collection. The backlog is usually sorted only by service, program and date. Not fully accessible.4. Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
After we've appraised and evaluated the content, processed and catalogued it, it moves to the permanent collection. Here it stays for ever and ever and ever...
Like I previously mentioned, commentary is prioritized. Where any of our national teams are involved we keep everything, With regards the local competitions we might decide to only keep semi-finals and/or finals as the situation demands. I also keep an eye open for any audio on our 'lesser/smaller' sports as well; it is so easy to forget the non-main stream sports.
Fortunately I enjoy the technical part of our work a lot. Being blind I do sometimes need the assistance of my fellow archivists and they are great! Never complaining... to me anyway... Thanks very much all of you!
5. If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting audio material, please share it with us.
This is difficult. I'd rather make mention of legendary commentators I have the privilege to listen to on a daily basis: rugby commentary by Gerhard Viviers (Spiekeries) and Heinrich Marnitz, cricket commentary by Gerald de Kock and Neil Manthorp and soccer commentary by Kevin Evans and Mogamad Allie.6. Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
I never enjoyed history at school but now it is amazing being able to actively contribute to our audio history and heritage. I truly believe what we are doing is writing our history in audio.
Questions and posting by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives
Related post: The Weekly Archivist Interview: Channel Africa collection
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)