Cape Town - Ex political prisoners or their relatives have been urged to update their contact details and other information in the latest records held by the Heritage and Research Department at the Robben Island Museum (RIM).
Initially compiled in 1997, the RIM Ex-Political Prisoner Database (EPPD) is a document that requires public contribution and input to reflect on South Africa’s Struggle heroes.
“Having accurate data is vital in the pursuit of an improved public and cultural heritage narrative that captures sacrifices made and lives lost in the fight for South Africa’s liberation,” said Tshima Nemaheni, RIM Chief Heritage Officer.
“This will ensure that when we develop exhibitions and narrate the events of the past, we honour the foot soldiers and leaders whose blood, sweat and tears run deep in the soil of Robben Island.”
The information would further help maintain a digital memorialisation of ex-political prisoners who were imprisoned on Robben Island and elsewhere.
RIM was calling on members of the public to submit the following information where it is available:
- Name and prison number of Robben Island EPP
- Possible alias while in prison
- Imprisonment period on Robben Island (Month/Year)
- Life status (alive or deceased); if deceased, year of passing
- Current contact details and address of EPP or relative
- Name and contact details of person submitting the information
- Relationship to the Robben Island EPP
The information may be submitted via telephone or email to Robben Island Museum Heritage & Research Department for the attention of Mrs Nolubabalo Tongo-Cetywayo (Tel: + 27 21 4134232) or Mr Christopher Solomons (Tel: +27 83 289 0530). Email can be sent to [email protected]
“In light of the POPI Act, we strongly discourage sharing of this information via RIM’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages, as these are open public platforms and not suitable for private and sensitive information,” said Nemaheni.
Cape Times