Wall of remembrance unveiled at Robben Island for former political prisoners

A wall of remembrance bearing the names of the 5 000 former political prisoners was unveiled at Robben Island near Cape Town on Saturday.

The families of those still living, as well as the relatives of those who died, witnessed the historic occasion, while some former prisoners from Namibia and South Africa attended in person.

Namibia’s minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, joined her South African counterpart, minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie, for the unveiling.

The wall bears the names of Namibian anti-apartheid activist Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, former South African president Nelson Mandela, as well as Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki, among others.

McKenzie said the wall stands as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice for freedom.

“You were not just prisoners, you were soldiers of war,” he told those present.

He apologised to the veterans for “not being treated the way they should be” by the government.

“I’m sorry for that,” he said.

“The walls of Robben Island were once constructed with the primary goal of swallowing human life. The people sent here were meant to be forgotten.

“Today, the wall that greets you as you arrive on Robben Island is there to proclaim the names of every life that will now never be forgotten,” he said.

The event also saw the unveiling of six statues, including one of Ya Toivo.

In her tribute, Steenkamp said Robben Island was not just a place of imprisonment and punishment, but for many it became a school of resilience and a sanctuary of principles of hope for oppressed people across southern Africa.

“For the brave men and one woman who endured its walls, Robben Island carried not only the pain of imprisonment, but also became the hope and aspirations of millions who longed for freedom,” she said.

“From South Africa’s leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Govan Mbeki, to Namibia’s gallant sons such as Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Robben Island was home to those who sacrificed submission for sacrifice, principle over privilege, and freedom over fear,” she said.

The event was organised by South Africa’s department of sport, arts and culture in collaboration with the Association for Ex-Political Prisoners and the Robben Island Museum.

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