Calling former Robben Islanders

THE Robben Island Museum (RIM) has endeavoured to record as many stories from ex-political prisoners who were incarcerated in the maximum security prison over three decades of operation (from 1963 until 1996).

The content of their stories will be used for RIM’s narrative, publications and exhibitions to interpret the period of incarceration in the Maximum Security Prison. The museum is continuing with the recording of Life History Interviews with former Robben Island political prisoners and the family members of ex-political prisoners.

Robben Island Museum, spokesperson Morongoa Ramaboa said: “The interviews will be conducted in the comfort of your home and may include your family members who wish to speak about their experience of life during your incarceration at Robben Island. The Museum is approaching this project as a national priority.”

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The Robben Island Maximum Security Prison incarcerated close to 3500 political prisoners over three decades of operation (from 1963 until 1996). Many of these former political prisoners spent their youth and adulthood incarcerated for their political beliefs and activities during the liberation struggle.

“Their families were often left destitute and vulnerable in the face of the onslaught of the Apartheid security establishment and very few of their families have had the opportunity to speak about their experiences. There are many stories of personal triumphs over hardships endured and sadly, many stories of tribulations as well,” she said.

For more information about the project or to offer your time toward an interview, contact the Robben Island Museum Research Unit by calling Nolubabalo Tongo-Cetywayo (0780191279) or Christopher Solomons (0832890530) or email: christophers@robben-island.org.za / NolubabaloT@robben-island.org.za.

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