By Lungile Ntimba
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described Robben Island as both a symbol of imprisonment and resistance.
During a visit to the prison as part of the build up to the ANC’s January 8 celebrations at Khayelitsha in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said that many freedom fighters were sent to prison to crush their spirits.
“Instead of breaking their spirit, their time on Robben Island strengthened their resolve to defeat apartheid and build a free, united and democratic South Africa,” Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
His visit to Robben Island was to honour the hundreds of political prisoners detained there for many years in their fight for freedom.
Political leaders such as Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison on the island.
Ramaphosa said Robben Island became a place of revolutionary debates and learning, where young activists were armed with a political consciousness that turned them into freedom fighters.
“In this harsh environment, under punishing conditions, these freedom fighters challenged the arrogance and pettiness of the authorities,” he said.
He emphasised that the ANC’s visit to the prison symbolised its commitment to advance the struggle for the complete liberation of all South Africans from any form oppression.
“We are sending a message that no matter the challenges we confront, we will overcome them. As we have done before, we will prevail,” he said.
“We are determined to work to rebuild the trust of the South African people in the ANC and to become an ever more effective champion of their liberation.”
The president emphasised the importance of learning from the experiences of those imprisoned on Robben Island.
He said that rebuilding a movement demanded effective organisation and thorough political engagement, as well as a vibrant democracy, accountability and discipline.
“The leaders and cadres who spent time imprisoned on this island understood the vital need for unity, trust and personal integrity. They knew that they had to work together,” Ramaphosa said.
The ANC paid tribute to the South African patriots who dedicated their lives and sacrificed their freedom.
Ramaphosa said the ANC’s National Executive Committee would outline the priorities and tasks for the year ahead.
The January 8 statement would place the needs of South Africans at the centre of this year’s programme to create jobs, build a growing and inclusive economy, and fight poverty, crime and violence.
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