On behalf of the people and Government of Namibia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expresses gratitude to the Government of South Africa for organizing the historic Robben Island Prisoners Reunion, scheduled for 26–27 September 2025, as part of South Africa’s Heritage Week.
In her tribute to Namibian former Robben Island prisoners and their families, President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the statue of Comrade Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, which symbolizes not only his bravery but also the sacrifices of all Namibians who fought against the apartheid regime for the liberation of both Namibia and South Africa.
The Reunion, hosted by South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Robben Island Museum and the South African Ex-Prisoners Association, will include the unveiling of a Wall of Remembrance featuring the names of all former Robben Island political prisoners. Additionally, six life-sized statues will be inaugurated, including one of Namibian liberation hero Andimba Toivo ya Toivo.
Ya Toivo spent 16 years imprisoned on Robben Island following the 1967–1968 trial of 38 Namibians under the Terrorism Act, linked to the pivotal Omugulugwombashe confrontation of 1966, which marked the beginning of Namibia’s armed liberation struggle. In total, 61 Namibian political prisoners were incarcerated on Robben Island, with nine still alive today.
The Government of Namibia will be represented at the Reunion by Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, along with survivors, descendants of deceased ex-prisoners, ministry officials, and members of the ya Toivo family.
