Condolences on the passing of RIM EPPs

Entrenched in the history of Robben Island Museum, are the footsteps and legacies of nearly 3000 ex-political prisoners (EPPs) who were incarcerated on the island prison since 1962. These are individuals whose recorded information (paper, video and audio) helps Robben Island Museum to narrate to the public its story of imprisonment. All current programmes from exhibitions, island tours, and educational programmes in different provinces, SADC Region and on the Island are dependent on the wisdom of all these RIM EPPs whose voices were recorded. Prison walls would mean nothing without the associated voices of EPPs.

On behalf of the Robben Island Museum World Heritage Site Council, Executive Management, and the entire RIM community, we offer our deepest condolences on the passing of these former RIM EPPs between 2020 and 2022. These liberation activists, both underground and in the trenches, steadfastly participated in the making of the current RIM interpretation strategies of this monumental site.

We honour their legacy and mourn their loss alongside their families, friends and the people of South Africa. May their souls rest in peace.

Prof Saths Cooper
Chairperson
Robben Island Museum Council