The collection consists of a series of volumes dating from 1892 to 1984. SAC/1-4 relate to the various trade routes between Europe and Southern Africa, and consist of minutes of the various meetings held. SAC/6-9 consists of the South Africa Conference major meetings, including meetings with D.O.A.L, between shipowners, committee and joint minutes. SAC/10 is a volume containing various agreements between the conference and the countries it traded with.

Administrative / biographical background
The first South Africa Conference was formed in 1883 following increased steamship trading rivalry between European shipping lines operating in the area. Its main objective quickly became the regulation of member companies and the establishment of common freight tariffs. From 1886, the Conference granted a bonus ("deferred rebate") to member companies, thus providing a trading advantage for membership, and a common interest in improving standards. The major shipping lines that made up the conferences were: The Union Castle Mail Steamship Company Limited, The Clan Line Steamers Limited, Ellerman and Bucknall Steamships Company Limited, Ellerman and Hall Line, Bullard King and Company, Harrison Line, Huston Line, British India Line and the D.O.A. Line