By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Robben Island Museum (RIM) will mark this year as the year of late former PAC leader Robert Sobukwe for his role and contribution in the struggle for liberation.
Sobukwe, was 60 years ago, sent to Robben Island for an indefinite period after the apartheid government amended the law, which later became known as the Sobukwe Clause.
Sobukwe joins a generation of leaders who have been celebrated and honoured by the Robben Island Museum.
This includes late former president Nelson Mandela, struggle icons Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki and many others.
While the PAC is very happy about the launch of the Year of Robert Sobukwe and we are here today to make sure his legacy is preserved, we are also fiercely guarding against any move to separate Sobukwe from the PAC. There is no Sobukwe without the PAC!” These were the words of Pan African Congress (PAC) President, Mzwanele Nyhontso speaking outside the Sobukwe House on Robben Island today.
In commemorating 45 years since the untimely death of Robert Sobukwe, the Council of the Robben Island Museum (RIM) declared 2023 as The Year of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe and today launched this commemoration at a special event on Robben Island.
“On this day, 60 years ago, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe was banished to Robben Island as a political prisoner of a special type, and as a Council, we made a unanimous decision to declare 2023 as the Year of Robert Sobukwe, so we can create an array of touchpoints throughout the year, where we can honour this remarkable man who gave so much of himself for the liberation of our people,” said Professor Saths Cooper, RIM Council Chairperson during his opening remarks.
Sobukwe truly led from the front and was as best known for his motto of “serve, suffer and sacrifice”, with an approach of “no bail, no plea and no defence” he led from the front.
Joseph Nong “Bra Joe” Thloloe delivered the keynote address during which he reflected on a lifetime of knowing Sobukwe referring to him as “the greatest man I know”.
Nomfundo Sobukwe, who spoke on behalf of the Sobukwe Family, was deeply humbled by the honour bestowed on her grandfather and the extended Sobukwe family and in remembering Sobukwe, she reflected on how he always knew “we were meant for better things than struggling and suffering.” To this end, an exhibition is being planned, of the books which Robert Sobukwe read, that ultimately shaped his political ideology.
Representing the Robert Sobukwe Trust (RST), its Chairperson, Professor Thobeka Mda, expressed excitement for this bold move by RIM in honouring Sobukwe and was keen to explore collaborative opportunities between the two organisations. “The RST is particularly challenged with fundraising and human resources, but we have ambitious plans which include partnering with a South African university to create a funded University Chair position in the name of Robert Sobukwe, to elevate Mama Sobukwe’s name a struggle icon and to develop and education fund among other things. To this end, we are open to discussions with potential partners who wish to support our work,” said Mda.
Litha Jolobe RIM Council Member during his closing remarks recognised the significant role of the PAC during his years as a prisoner on Robben Island, sharing anecdotal experiences of how ANC members sought guidance from PAC members during disagreements on the island, at the time of their incarceration. “Robben Island is a convergence of multiple rivers that all flowed along the pathway to liberation. It may be time to rewrite the history of our country, as it really unfolded, and this starts with research among the people,” said Jolobe when addressing particularly the youth.
As part of the repositioning of RIM and in the context of its economic recovery plan, RIM will be introducing new intergenerational and other offerings to attract especially young people to visit the island and improve Robben Island’s immense historic heritage tourism, globally.