A scenic ferry trip from the Waterfront to the shores of Robben Island transports visitors into one of the tangible remnants of rich South African history entrenched over four centuries.
It’s a place that evokes mixed emotions. Since welcoming its first visitors as a museum in 1997, the site has been a “universal symbol of hope, solidarity and transformation, a site of spiritual reflection, healing and pilgrimage” and often described as the “University of Life” for it’s role in being a place of life-long learning.
A trip to the national heritage site reveals the sombre history of the island which was used at various times between the 17th century and 20th century as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups, and a military base.
Today, visits to the Mother City are almost surely incomplete without a ferry trip to Robben Island, which is testament to its nomination in the World Travel Awards in the category of Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction, nominated alongside Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.
The island’s buildings, and in particular those of the late 20th-century maximum security prison for political prisoners, are a testament to the way in which democracy and freedom triumphed over oppression and racism.
What survives from its episodic history are 17th-century quarries; the tomb of Hadije Kramat who died in 1755; 19th century “village” administrative buildings including a chapel and parsonage; small lighthouse; the lepers’ church; the only remains of a leper colony; derelict World War II military structures around the harbour; and the stark and functional maximum security prison of the apartheid period that began in the 1960s.
To highlight the significance of Robben Island, and as part of marking Heritage Month, the Robben Island Museum (RIM) has launched the “University of Life” with an aim to support and nurture the development of a new generation of heritage activists.
The initiative will come alive with pupils participating in the annual flagship project from today until September 27. For the next seven days, they will call Robben Island their home.
RIM acting chief heritage officer, Ayanda Woji, said: “This initiative is instrumental as it aims to ensure an unforgettable learning experience that participants will treasure for a long time.
In doing so, RIM has invited schools from all nine South African provinces as well as from five African countries (Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and Zimbabwe) with learners between the ages of 16 and 19 years, for a chance to explore and engage with the multi-layered history of Robben Island, as well as sharing career information within the heritage sector, thus developing and nurturing a new generation of heritage activists.”
The seven-day programme will feature activities such as the “day in the life of a political prisoner” experience; a prison tour; umrabulo (story telling from ex-political prisoners); intergenerational dialogue and debates; a knowledge hunt; and environmental education.
Pupils will also have an opportunity to showcase their diverse cultural practices and traditions on National Heritage Day and an Open Day on September 27.
As part of its 30 years of Democracy celebration programme earlier this year, the RIM also celebrated a number of milestones reflecting on individuals who contributed to the rich heritage that is rooted in the island.
These commemorations included the 350th anniversary of Krotoa’s passing.
RIM chief executive Abigail Thulare had said they wanted to continue recognising “women for their unwavering resilience and their achievements as an expression of appreciation for those who have risked their lives and freedom for a just South Africa”.
Cape Times
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