Robben Island to close for renovations: Aiming for future funding

Robben Island's public tours will pause from Youth Day, Monday, June 16, to Sunday, August 31, for essential renovations, promising an enriched visitor experience upon reopening.

Robben Island Museum board chairman Professor Saths Cooper announced the first shutdown in the history of the island, dating back to 385 BCE, to implement operational changes at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, in the V&A Waterfront last week, Thursday June 5. 

During an interview with the CapeTowner, Mr. Cooper said that the two-and-a-half-month suspension period will occur when the daily average of 2 000 visitors to the living museum drops to a third, during the winter off-peak season.

“We're going to bring back into use the golf course. The helipads, the landing strips, open up a coffee shop, a restful place for reflection, and we're going to be putting up some statues, who are world-renowned over time, including Autshumao Khoi, Krotoa, Mandela etc,” he said.  

Mr Cooper said the R100 million budgeted project is expected to yield future rewards. 

He said maintenance happened all of the time, but that these repairs could not be done with the number of people, including workers, tourists, and contractors, on the island.

“So this is the longest and most important because we don't want to be in a situation of deterioration and not doing necessary repairs,” said Mr Cooper. 

“With this, happening next year should be a bonanza year. So then it would possibly recoup the funds missed during this period.

Mr Cooper said the suspension of tours would not affect daily work. 

“Regular work continues. Some people have already asked for leave. They are the ones who know the system and would be monitoring the progress of these refurbishments,” he said. 

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back on Monday, September 1 with renewed purpose, enhanced facilities, and an enriched visitor experience that reflects the significance of Robben Island as a global symbol of freedom and resilience,” said Mr Cooper. 

In November, the revamped island is due to host the Group of Twenty (G20), an international forum of both developing and developed countries seeking to find solutions to global, economic and financial challenges, as South Africa would be the first African state to host this gathering. 

The project to improve the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site is spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is set to manage, protect and conserve the island’s environment and natural resources, while the Department of Tourism is responsible for tourists from other countries and within South Africa. 

In February deputy minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala met with the leadership of the Ex-Political Prisoners Association, led by the secretary Mpho Masemola, and other national executive council members.

The visit was in response to concerns of deteriorating buildings, cemeteries, gardens, recreational facilities, waste management services, and the blue stone quarry, which was placing the island at risk of losing its heritage status.

Mr Zikalala said the association played a role in preserving not only the island’s aesthetic heritage but its profound impact in the evolution of South Africa as a democracy.

The department observed that there had been an improvement in the water supply, with no interruptions reported during the 2024 festive season.

There was an increase in the number of tourists visiting the island of 86 622 visitors between November 2024 and January.

The desalination plant has been fully upgraded, as well as the reservoirs fitted with the new filtration system to improve the quality of water.

Mr Zikalala said the department would continue with the upgrades at the scope and scale as assigned by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to ensure that the

“Robben Island Museum is sustained as the beacon of history and the rich South African heritage for future generations”.

Visitors are still welcome to learn more about the history of Robben Island by visiting the exhibition at the Nelson Mandela Geteway at the V&A.

The museum’s council apologised for the inconvenience caused by the renovations. 

Visitors who have booked tickets during this period will be refunded in full. 

Credit card payments will be refunded via transaction reversal, while EFT reversals require client approval. For more information email refunds@robben-island.org.za