Tribute to Dr Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela from Robben Island Museum

The passing away of the icon of our struggle for democracy, our first democratically elected president and one of the famous former prisoners of Robben Island is indeed a sad moment for the Mandela family, South Africans, the regional and international community. Robben Island, a World Heritage Site, celebrating the triumph of human spirit over great adversity, is intimately associated with his name as he spent 18 years incarcerated on the Island for his unwavering stance against apartheid. It is important that Robben Island Museum and World Heritage Site honours his life and his legacy. 

As part of the evolving national processes around the official call to mourn his untimely passing on, Robben Island Museum has been declared a tribute place in Cape Town where people from all walks of life can come and pay homage to the illustrious son of Africa, Tata Nelson Mandela. As such, the Nelson Mandela Gateway (NMG) on the Waterfront, has allocated a space in the building for people to drop flowers and sign the condolences register. In addition, Robben Island Museum has also made similar provisions for all tourists visiting the Island. On the boat to Robben Island, Harbour and Prison we’ve placed Condolences registers for visitors. A candle is placed at cell No. 5 where Dr. Mandela spent 18 years of his entire prison life, in the maximum prison.  In the courtyard where they used to break stones, a space is allocated for people who would like to drop flowers.

Robben Island Museum has also scheduled a Memorial Service to be held at Nelson Mandela Gateway, Waterfront on the 10 December 2013 at 07:30am. This service is open to any person who would like to pay the last respect to Madiba. Please accept our invitation to come and join the Robben Island Council and staff in celebrating the life of Tata Nelson Mandela. It remains our collective moral responsibility to live the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela.