After a tweet from model Tshepiso Vanessa Ralehlathe went viral, a whole Twitter debate began around the potential of turning Robben Island into a party island.
Robin Island is 5,18 km². Make it a party Island already 😭😭. pic.twitter.com/Q2etWcvnM8
— Tshepiso Vanessa Ralehlathe (@Tshepiso_Says) October 28, 2021
South Africans weigh in whether this is a good or bad idea?
As the topic came into the spotlight, more South Africans started posting their opinions. On the one hand, many people felt that this is a form of disrespect to the location that “bleeds history and suffering”. And on the other hand, people are arguing that it is a great idea that could possibly bring much-needed revenue for the country.
Here are a few examples of how the debate went:
@archiehercules said, “the tourist money we could bring in”
While @Livin_Larche said, “Excuse me? The ancestors will wake up and snatch your feet.”
Robben Island Museum (RIM) adresses this idea
Morongoa Ramaboa, a spokesperson for the Robben Island Museum (RIM), made it clear that there are no plans to make the historic island into a party sport.
“Robben Island Museum (RIM) notes and appreciates the trending dialogue on Twitter among the youth of South Africa and appreciates the vast interest and knowledge about the acclaimed National and World Heritage Site.
“RIM is a space of dialogue and learning as well as a site of memory about our painful history as a nation. In accommodating our youth and to further educate them about the history of Robben Island, RIM hosts a number of exhibitions, events, outreach and educational programmes on the island,” said Ramaboa.
Events have been held on the island before
Although there are no plans to turn the island into a party destination, there have been a few events hosted at Robben Island before. In July, RIM hosted a live stream performance of DJ Shimza’s One Man Show at the Lime Quarry. The stream was to raise funds on Nelson Mandela Day for those affected by the pandemic.
“While we are appreciative of the different views and suggestions for an alternative usage for the island, we ought to be mindful that we do not compromise our Outstanding Universal Value as a World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO in 1999.
“Therefore, ideas of a mother of all parties and/or party Island needs to be parked for now. Let us respect those who have come before us and their hard-earned victories,” added Ramaboa.