Robben Island holds vigil for stalwarts
A 12-HOUR night vigil on Robben Island marked the conclusion of a year dedicated to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the births of late Struggle stalwarts Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu.
More than 135 visitors poured onto Robben Island on Wednesday as the Robben Island Museum hosted a night vigil, as an opportunity for reflection and contemplation for the sacrifices of the two stalwarts and the many other heroes and heroines who fought apartheid.
The visitors comprised ex-political prisoners, faith-based organisations and members of the public.
Various faith-based organisations participated in a pilgrimage of silent reflection in the maximum security prison, where Mandela spent 18 years of his imprisonment, and Sobukwe House, where-Pan Africanist Robert Sobukwe was held in isolation.
Robben Island chief heritage officer Pascall Taruvinga said they had decided to celebrate the 100-year centenary of both Struggle icons this year.
“We started this event with two lectures of Tata Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu,” Taruvinga said.
He said Robben Island was a site of pilgrimage for ex-political prisoners.
“One of the important things about the night vigil is a way of installing the things we learnt from our great leaders such as Mandela and mama Sisulu.”
Attendees spent their time in interfaith prayers while sharing food and stories as they reflected and honoured the sacrifices of liberation leaders who endured one of the harshest prisons in the world.
Robben Island Museum spokesperson Morongoa Ramaboa said: “For many of us the opportunity to reflect on our liberation heroes in this way is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“All in attendance paid homage to different icons with a heart-warming candle lighting ceremony ”.
Ramaboa said the Island was synonymous with heartache and despair, and was a place where people were dumped for various reasons.