RIM ESTABLISHMENT

Robben Island Museum (RIM) is a public entity responsible for managing, maintaining, presenting, developing and marketing Robben Island as a national estate and World Heritage Site. It was established by the Department of Arts and Culture in 1997.

RIMS FUNCTION

RIM implements a wide range of conservation, educational, tourist development, research, archiving and general heritage programmes that are designed to achieve its mandate; conserve the Island’s natural and cultural resources and heritage; and promote it as a platform for critical debate and life-long learning.

RIM is also responsible for managing and maintaining the assets of the Island. These include the Maximum and Medium Security Prison Complexes, Robert Sobukwe’s House, the Curio and Village Shops, the Village Precinct and associated recreational facilities, the Helipad and runway on the Island, World War 2 memorials, power generation and water processing plants, Jetty 1 and the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront, the Mayibuye Archives, the three (3) ferries that transport people to the Island and the fleet of buses used by tourists on the Island.

OUR VISION

"To preserve and promote Robben Island as an inspirational national treasure and World Heritage Site that symbolises the triumph of the human spirit over extreme adversity and injustice."

OUR MISSIONS

a) To conserve and manage the cultural and natural heritage in order to retain the significance and the outstanding universal value of the site. b) To promote an inclusive and holistic understanding of the Island's multi-layered history. c) To develop responsible and sustainable tourism products and services that offer a unique visitor experience. d) To share, educate and communicate the values, experience and legacy of Robben Island. e) To ensure Robben Island Museum adheres to good practices for managing a World Heritage Site.

RIM MANAGEMENT

RIM is managed by an Executive Management Team (EMT) that comprises of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Heritage Officer (CHO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Infrastructure Officer (CIO). This EMT strategically drives the operations of RIM while it’s Senior Managers and all other staff implement all the day-today activities. The CEO is the operational head and accounting officer of RIM and thus serves as a permanent member of RIM’s Council (see section on governance of RIM). Other EMT members participate in Council meetings when required.
EMT and the Senior Management Team meet weekly and full staff meetings are held quarterly. This enables the effective and smooth functioning of RIM.

RIM Governance

RIM is governed by a Council appointed by the National Minister of Arts and Culture, for a period of three (3) years. The duties of the Council are described in the Cultural Institutions Act 119 of 1998. Essentially, the Council is responsible for formulating policy and determining the objectives of the RIM, fundraising, overseeing and guiding financial management and accounting, and ensuring that all the moveable and immovable property is properly managed and safeguarded.

The Council also determines the conditions under which the public may visit the Island, the admission prices that may be charged for visits and appoints the CEO. The appointment of the CEO is done in consultation with the Minister of Arts and Culture.

RIM Executive Management

  • Ms. Abigail Thulare

    Chief Executive Officer

  • Mr. Blayne Crocker

    Chief Financial Officer

  • Mr. Tshimangadzo Nemaheni

    Chief Heritage Officer

  • Ms. Maphootla Makhoalibe

    Chief Infrastructure Officer

RIM Council Members

  • Mr Khensani Maluleke

    Chairperson

  • Ms Tholakele Dlamini

    Deputy Chairperson

  • Ms Laura Robinson

    RIM Council Member

  • Mr Makgolo Makgolo

    RIM Council Member

  • Ms Unathi Mdledle-Mkhize

    RIM Council Member

  • Ms Louisa Mabe

    RIM Council Member

  • Ms Vuyokazi Menye

    RIM Council Member

  • Mr Enver Daniels

    RIM Council Member

  • Mr Thembinkosi Ngcobo

    RIM Council Member

  • Mr Morakabe Raks Seakhoa

    RIM Council Member

  • Ms Portia Chilwane

    RIM Council Member