The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture was taken through a presentation by the department highlighting all the completed projects, projects that are still underway and those in the conceptualisation phase as part of the R150 million rejuvenation project at Robben Island on Tuesday.

The committee heard that thus far R15 million has been spent on the completed projects at Robben Island Museum (RIM), with the completed projects being historical statues, a memorial wall, the Nelson Mandela museum on the island, and the refurbishment of sports facilities. 

RIM has constructed six statues and plinths with inscribed plates, which were completed in September. The statues were of Autshumato, Krotoa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, Herman Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, and Khotso Seatlholo.

RIM has also completed the production of 2,700 name plates of Robben Island’s ex-political prisoners with names, years of incarceration/ banishment and prison number. Names were unveiled by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in September 2025, but a contractor is currently attending to a snag list and remedial works.

They have also finished an interior and exterior refurbishment of the former school on the Island to repurpose it. Planned completion date of the installation of exhibitions is 15th November 2025.

RIM has also finished the refurbishment of the existing tennis courts and the construction of two combi courts (multi-purpose sports court).

Projects underway include: 

• Reconstruction of the four existing helipads.
• Restoration and repurposing of selected buildings to ensure sustainability and acceptable aesthetics of their heritage tourism offerings
• Acquisition and provision of connectivity services (WIFI) in line with requirements identified in an assessment report.
• Installation of containers set up as a coffee shop at Murray Harbour.

“Robben Island’s recreational facilities, including the golf course, restaurant and other social amenities, were once spaces contributing to the Island’s social and recreational life, albeit for warders and the apartheid leadership. 

“These facilities are in a state of disrepair and underutilisation due to harsh marine conditions, inconsistent maintenance, and shifting institutional priorities. The lack of proper upkeep and revitalisation has diminished the Island’s potential to serve as a fully functional recreational and heritage destination,” the presentation said.

“Robben Island’s recreational facilities require restoration to functional, safe, and sustainable spaces that support the Island’s social, recreational, and heritage value. This project aims to implement a comprehensive maintenance and management plan that ensures long-term usability, enhances visitor experience, and preserves the Island’s cultural and environmental integrity.”

Consistent with the provisions of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA), the Department of Public Works and Infrastructures is the custodian of facilities management services on the island, and has allocated more R140 million over the 2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for total facility management.

Chairperson of RIM Council, Professor Saths Cooper, explained the intricacies facing the Robben Island Museum, citing 32 pieces of legislation that impact Robben Island. 

“There are very few other entities that are confronted with that.”

Cooper also explained that they are currently in the process of appointing a new CFO after the previous employee was placed on precautionary suspension when it was discovered that he did not possess the minimum qualification required for the position.

“…went through a disciplinary, was found guilty, not only of that, but of other egregious issues, which account for part of the delay in the conclusion of the last financial statements.”

Cooper explained that the matter went to the High Court, was thrown out with costs, which the employee challenged and ultimately ended up in the labour court, where the employee settled.

“You can imagine how we are very careful now on the appointment process, and all the matters leading to the successful contracting or appointing of any of those persons.”

He said that within the next fortnight, there will be interviews with the shortlisted people for the vacant position.

Cooper added that regarding transport and accessibility issues, there have been problems with procuring boats, but that the issue has been resolved. 

“Safe to say that Robben Island is not in the ferry business. The minister agrees, the government agrees, and we are already preparing a call for logistic suppliers to tell us about land, sea, air and other arrangements to enable people to get to Robben Island in a more efficient manner than us having to be in the ferry business, which then dominates our forefront and backend,” Cooper said.

He said that there will be a report by the end of the year to outline the areas to engage in to improve logistics for Robben Island.

When questioned about what happened to the weddings that would take place on the island, Cooper said that they tried to reinstitute it, but that it was shot down by the previous council. 

“This current council is looking at all avenues to open Robben Island as a true space for a variety of purposes, while ensuring that what has happened in the last three and a half years continues – that South Africans are the leading visitors to Robben Island”.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za

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