Robben Island Museum set for R150m upgrade before G20 summit

In what has been described as a sad sight by many visitors, the Robben Island Museum (RIM) is set to regain its former glory through a substantial R150 million renovation approved by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The long-awaited refurbishment, which has been a decade in the making, will lead to suspended tours for nearly three months, marking a significant moment in the preservation of South Africa's rich historical narrative.

Robben Island has been a crucial part of South African history, reflecting on from 385BCE, through the 15th-20th centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, and the recent apartheid crime against humanity. 

As a National Site of Memory and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, Robben Island, stands as a living heritage symbolising the resilience of the human spirit and the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism, RIM said.

Late last week, RIM council chairperson, Professor Saths Cooper, announced operational changes aimed at enhancing service delivery at the museum.

Cooper also delivered the good news that Robben Island will host delegations from around the world as South Africa becomes the first African country to host the G20 later this year.

“Hosting G20 dignitaries at Robben Island is deeply symbolic, allowing the world to witness the legacy of those who sacrificed everything for freedom and the country that rose in their honour.

"In preparation for this historic event, Robben Island Museum will suspend all public tours from June 16, 2025, until September 1, 2025, to perform necessary maintenance and renovations,” said RIM.

“The decision to suspend tours was not taken lightly. Robben Island remains one of South Africa’s most treasured national heritage sites, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. While this temporary closure may disrupt some plans, it prioritises safety, preservation, and long-term benefit.

“Visitors are welcome to learn more about the history of Robben Island by visiting our exhibition at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.”

While addressing the media, Cooper said it was a long road waiting for the much needed revamp.

“What we are attempting to do is restore the site to ensure that the living heritage there is protected.”

While the Island hosts over 1 500 visitors on a daily basis, Cooper said operationally, it was suitable to shut down tours during the winter period, which sees many cancellations due to the weather.

He added that red tape and navigating through various departments also placed delays and pressure on the upgrade and renovation.

"To mediate all of these does take a lot of bureaucracy and time and from the period of 2014, there has not been a concerted effort to repair and refurbish Robben Island to the state of originality it was in and to preserve it for future generations,” Cooper said.

“Given that South Africa hosts G20 in November and you are aware that there are delegations that have been having bilateral from different sectors from the beginning of the year, we felt we should take advantage of the winter period and do a shut down in order to effect these changes which are necessary and long overdue and required to retain the tangible heritage, in the way that UNESCO and all of you want it to be.

“We will be having people from different spheres working on the island to make sure these changes take place so it would not make  sense to continue to have visitors to the island while workmen and women are in the space due to rubble and construction.

“Staff will continue with their work, we do not have a large number of staff but it will change after this period.

“Some staff will be taking leave.”

In February, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said the approval had been given the green light for Robben Island Museum’s upgrade following its thumbs up by Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, who carried out an oversight visit with a delegation team which included the Ex-Political Prisoners Association.

During 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.

A portion of the finalised upgrades includes the desalination plant as well as the reservoirs fitted with the new filtration system to improve the quality of water.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back on 1 September 2025 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 RIM.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus