Robben Island museum upgrade enhances tourism
Cape Town - The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI) upgrade process of Robben Island Museum (RIM) has received approval following Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala’s oversight visit, with improvements already boosting tourist numbers and preserving this vital heritage site.
Zikalala said they were monitoring the progress of the refurbishment and had engaged with the Ex-Political Prisoners Association.
In 2023, Zikalala visited the site to respond to concerns over the deterioration of 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.
The expected upgrade cost to the museum buildings was said to be R150 million.
Highlights of the progress observed during Zikalala’s oversight visit included improvement in the water supply with no interruptions reported during the 2024 festive season.
With the renovations under way, the museum saw an increase in tourists visiting the island with an estimated number of 86 622 visitors between November 2024 and January 2025.
The desalination plant has also been fully upgraded as well as the reservoirs fitted with the new filtration system to improve the quality of water.
The project is set to improve the iconic island and is spearheaded by the DPWI in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Zikalala was accompanied by senior officials from stakeholder departments and met with the leadership of the Ex-Political Prisoners Association, led by secretary, Mpho Masemola, and other NEC Members.
“We are here at the invitation of the Ex-Political Prisoners Association, many who were incarcerated in this facility during the apartheid era,” said Zikalala.
“They play a role in preserving not only the island’s aesthetics heritage but its profound impact in the evolution of South Africa as a democracy.”
During the visit, the Ex-Political Prisoners shared with the Deputy Minister their vision on the bigger capital projects that they want undertaken.
These include major upgrades of the seven prison golf courses as well as their desire to be assisted in the re-union of all remaining ex-political prisoners.
Professor Saths Cooper, chairperson of the RIM Council, said the Museum was inclusive for locals and tourists.
“RIM has introduced this wonderful opportunity to keep this notorious island, where Madiba spent the largest period of his imprisonment, accessible to our own citizens, especially local communities, pensioners, religious and educational groups. This opportunity will apply to a vast group of visitors from pensioners to school groups and we encourage all South African residents to participate in this offer.”
RIM offers four standard tours daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm at R400 for a South African Adult and R210 for children under 18. Tourists pay R600 per adult and R310 per child.
During the concession period the prices will be further lowered for South Africans to R250 per adult and R130 per child for those qualifying.