Nandi-Ndaitwah honours former Robben Island prisoners ahead of Saturday reunion

NAMPA

2025-09-25

WINDHOEK, 22 July- Former Robben Island Political Prisoners, Mpho Masemula, Ben Ulenga and Sakaria Nashandi. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 25 SEP (NAMPA) - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to Namibian former political prisoners of Robben Island and their families, ahead of the historic Robben Island Prisoners’ Reunion scheduled for 26 September 2025 at Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed profound gratitude to the Government of South Africa for organising the reunion, which forms part of the country’s Heritage Week celebrations.
"On behalf of the people and Government of Namibia, we thank South Africa for organising this important event," Nandi-Ndaitwah said, emphasising the significance of the occasion. The reunion will serve as a moment to honour the bravery and sacrifices of all those who fought against apartheid, with particular recognition for the Namibians who endured imprisonment on Robben Island.
One of the event’s central highlights will be the unveiling of a Wall of Remembrance, listing the names of all former political prisoners held on Robben Island, along with the inauguration of six life-sized statues, including one of Namibian liberation hero Andimba Toivo ya Toivo. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the statue symbolises the courage of all Namibians who contributed to the struggle for both Namibian and South African liberation.
Ya Toivo, who spent 16 years on Robben Island following his arrest in the 1967–1968 Terrorism Act trial, is remembered for his role in the Omugulugwombashe confrontation, which marked the beginning of Namibia’s armed liberation struggle. A total of 61 Namibians were imprisoned on Robben Island, with nine still alive today.
The Namibian Government will be represented at the reunion by Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as survivors, descendants of deceased ex-prisoners, and members of the ya Toivo family, Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed.
(NAMPA)
EB/HP/EK

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