Robben Island – ‘a place of love’
TWENTY couples from across the country tied the knot on Robben Island yesterday.
Spokesperson for Robben Island Musuem, Nomonde Ndlangisa, said the couples were invited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the island museum as well as “make their dreams come true”.
“We have been hosting mass weddings for 16 years, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs on the island. Our aim was to put a smile on the couples’ faces and make their dreams come true,” said Ndlangisa.
Charleen and Ricardo Henry, who have been together for nine years, said their wedding day was a blessing as she had also celebrated her birthday yesterday.
“It is such a privilege and honour to celebrate our special day on Robben Island, as it was our first time on the island. We thank the lady who told us about this opportunity while we went to the Home Affairs offices,” Ricardo said.
Grace and Michael Msibi, who flew in from Johannesburg to renew their vows, said it was also their first time on the island.
“I never knew it (Robben Island) could be a place of love since one of my relatives was imprisoned on the island,” said Grace.
Another couple, who met through social media in 2012, Marche Lakey and Sibusiso Makhubu, also exchanged their vows. “This has been a special day for us because of where we got married, and because we are a bi-racial couple. Many years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible, so for us it just signifies even more and because it’s our anniversary,” said Marche.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said he was proud to be part of the initiative because of the role that marriage plays within communities and building strong families. “Participating couples were chosen by the department based on their diversity and interesting romantic stories. As the department, we congratulate and wish the couples well.” –
‘OUR AIM WAS TO PUT A SMILE ON COUPLES’ FACES AND MAKE THEIR DREAMS TRUE’