McKenzie apologises for State’s treatment of ex-political prisoners – SABC News
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has apologised to former political prisoners and the PAC for the way the government has treated them.
McKenzie was speaking at the Robben Island Museum at the reunion of former political prisoners on Saturday.
Robben Island was a hive of activity on Saturday as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture hosted the reunion of ex-political prisoners.
The occasion was marked by the unveiling of six statues of prominent prisoners, as well as the remembrance wall for the other thousands of former political prisoners.
“A sincere apology, I want to apologise to freedom fighters as a government official. I’m here to tell you that we have not treated you in the way that you should have been treated, and I’m sorry for that.”
The Island, a former place of pain and sorrow where political prisoners were jailed under the brutality of the apartheid government, brought excitement to those who were honoured.
“These walls of Robben Island were once sons trusted with a primary goal of swallowing human life; all the people present here were meant to be forgotten, removed. Today, the walls that greet you as you arrive at Robben Island are there to proclaim the names of those who sacrificed and contributed permanently.”
Former political prisoners were awarded medals.
Muntu Nxumalo, a former politician, expresses excitement for receiving the medal. “Our children will know the role we have played.”