Ex-political prisoners call for inclusion in Robben Island business deals

The Ex-Political Prisoners Association is unhappy about Robben Island Museum reportedly piloting a plan to turn 100 former prison guard houses into tourist accommodation.

Mpho Masemola, the Secretary-General of the Ex-Political Prisoners Association (EPPA) spoke to CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit.

Masemola said he understands that the island needs to become financially self-sustaining, however, despite the association signing an MOU with Robben Island Museum in 2024, detailing how they interact on heritage and the legacy project as-well-as the business opportunities, they are being excluded.

According to the memorandum, in every business opportunity that arises out of Robben Island there are supposed to be socio-economic programmes, he said.

"For instance, our children, they need bursaries. Many ex-political prisoners are unemployed... And some of them are dying as paupers. We said we need a comprehensive funeral scheme. 

"But those that are doing business on Robben Island, Robben Island has refused to charge them a price to say: What is your social responsibility?"

"You cannot just willy-nilly have a guard house and then you say it will enhance tourism because what we said to RIM according to our memorandum is to say look you can't just commercialise Robben Island without speaking to those that were incarcerated."

Masemola stressed that it was a place of banishment. "We cannot allow people to benefit out of our sweat and suffering."

To listen to the full interview, click on the media player below: