Gayton McKenzie to Host Reunion for Former Political Prisoners at Robben Island, SA Not Impressed
- Gayton McKenzie will be marking Heritage Month with a special reunion on Robben Island
- The minister noted that the reunion is for former political prisoners from South Africa and Namibia
- South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on the minister's plans and were not impressed
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE – Gayton McKenzie has sparked mixed reactions online by announcing that he is hosting a reunion for all former political prisoners.
The Sport, Arts and Culture Minister announced that the reunion will be held at the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town on Saturday, 27 September. It is being organised in partnership with the Association for Ex-Political Prisoners (AEPP) and the Robben Island Museum (RIM).
It's not the first time the island has been scheduled to host an event. In 2023, the exclusive Robben Island “Silent Disco” event was cancelled following social media backlash.
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What is the purpose of the reunion?
The Patriotic Alliance leader has described the reunion as a historic gathering for South Africans, saying it will represent remembrance, national reflection and healing.
“It brings together former political prisoners from South Africa and Namibia and will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery, unyielding resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who were imprisoned for their role in the fight against apartheid,” the minister said.
The decision to host a reunion came after a South African delegation met with Namibia’s Minister of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, and former Robben Island political prisoners on Monday, 8 September 2025.
Former prisoners to get a commemorative medal as part of the programme. Their names will also be unveiled on a special wall honouring all former prisoners. Statues of some of the iconic figures who were jailed on the island will also be inaugurated.
Source: Twitter
How did South Africans react to the plans?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the news, with some questioning who would be footing the bill.
Collen Mdlongwa said:
“It must be noted that Gayton McKenzie is not an ex-political prisoner. He is an ex-criminal. Robben Island was meant for political prisoners and not criminals.”
Clarence Sloster stated:
“ANC reunion. This man is going bananas.”
Bongani Mgubela questioned:
“At whose expense, if I may ask?”
Zolile Khumalo also asked:
“At whose expense?”
Lebo Makoena queried:
“Did they donate?”
Zola Edwana KaJikwana stated:
“But he is not a political prisoner; he is a criminal.”
Otto Jabulani Mkhatshwa noted:
“Many of those people are old, while others are academics, businesspeople and politicians. I don't think they do bashes unless he wants to do it for common criminals.”
Oscar Chauke Hlayisekani said:
“That's what happens when you make criminals ministers.”
Tshediso Mothupi Doc asked:
“Was he a political prisoner🤣?”
Thabani Thabani questioned:
“Why doesn't he use that money on poor communities?”
Parliament questions number of foreigners employed at Robben Island
Briefly News reported that McKenzie promised to investigate how many foreign nationals were employed at the Robben Island Museum.
Members of Parliament (MPs) questioned the minister on how much knowledge the foreign nationals had of South African history.
South Africans weighed in on McKenzie’s promise, sharing mixed reactions to the Sport Minister’s promise to deal with the matter.
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Source: Briefly News
