The Calata Papers consist of 1636 items covering the period 1909-1974 and include diaries, correspondence, notebooks, notes, sermons, addresses, minutes, memoranda, map, printed items, photographs and music.
The papers describe Calata's work in the church in the Eastern Cape, his role of schoolmaster, riots at St. Matthew's College, Keiskammahoek, and Lovedale, his notes on his ban and treason trial, education, and official records of several of the associations in which he was involved: the Cape African Parents Association, the Board of Missions, the Cathedral Chapter, the International African Ministers Federation, Pathfinders and Wayfarers Scouts.