ROBBEN ISLAND MEMORIES PROJECT
The Memories Project is one of the Robben Island Museum’s flagship initiatives. It originated with interviews conducted for the Cell Stories exhibition in December 1997. A questionnaire was developed to guide the interviews, and approximately 200 interviews were completed during the project’s first two years.
The project had two primary objectives. The first was to document the personal experiences of former political prisoners: exploring the motivations behind their activism, the nature of their political involvement, the circumstances of their imprisonment, their time in prison, and their lives after release. The second objective was to use a selection of these narratives to create an exhibition focused on the prison experience.
Additionally, the Memories Project supports related research with Namibian ex-Robben Islanders. This component is managed by a committee made up of representatives from various institutions, including the University of Namibia and the Robben Island Museum.
The project had two primary objectives. The first was to document the personal experiences of former political prisoners: exploring the motivations behind their activism, the nature of their political involvement, the circumstances of their imprisonment, their time in prison, and their lives after release. The second objective was to use a selection of these narratives to create an exhibition focused on the prison experience.
Additionally, the Memories Project supports related research with Namibian ex-Robben Islanders. This component is managed by a committee made up of representatives from various institutions, including the University of Namibia and the Robben Island Museum.
Douglas Moyisile Tyutyu Interview
“People were suffering… not getting enough clothes… not getting enough food… not getting care when they were sick. The hospital was manned by a chap called Nel… very cruel… working with criminals at the hospital… comrades died on Robben Island… but we could do nothing”, 1990sImprisoned on Robben Island 1965-1970 & 1984-1991
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Govan Mbeki Interview
“First we started in there breaking stones, making gravel, breaking stones with five pounder hammers to make concrete. Then we moved to the lime quarry to dig the lime which was required for building purposes. We worked hard. Some of us still suffer from the consequences of working in that lime quarry.”- Govan Mbeki, 1998
Imprisoned on Robben Island: 1964 - 1965 & 1966 - 1987
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Strinivasa Rajoo Moodley Interview
“When we arrived, we wondered now what's happening here,there's no underwear, people are sleeping on the floor on mats, what's happening, this is a political prison, this is not an ordinary, here you fight to get the best you can for yourself.”- Strinivasa Moodley, 1998
Imprisoned on Robben Island: 1976 - 1981
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MAYIBUYE CENTRE ORAL HISTORY OF EXILES PROJECT
One of the most significant oral history collections in the archive is Mayibuye Centre Oral History of Exiles Project, which includes both audio recordings and transcripts.
The collection features interviews with South African political exiles, conducted between 1992 and 1995 by Wolfie Kodesh, Farid Stemmet, Sazi Veldtman, Rachidi Molapo, and Les Switzer. A number of these interviews have been transcribed, and summaries of those conducted by Wolfie Kodesh are also available.
The collection features interviews with South African political exiles, conducted between 1992 and 1995 by Wolfie Kodesh, Farid Stemmet, Sazi Veldtman, Rachidi Molapo, and Les Switzer. A number of these interviews have been transcribed, and summaries of those conducted by Wolfie Kodesh are also available.
Rachidi Molapo, 1995
Ann Nicholson Interview
"Women were not just supporters — we were organisers, activists, and leaders in our own right."- Ann Nicholson, 1994
Sarah Carneson Interview
“We knew that it wasn't the end of apartheid in this country and that there was still a lot of work to be done.”- Sarah Carneson, 1992
Barbara Masakela Interview
“I joined the ANC in 1974, and I never looked back. From then on, I lived for the liberation of our people. There was no job too small — whether it was teaching, translating, or smuggling documents. We did what had to be done. In exile, you learn that struggle isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, patient, and relentless.”- Barbara Masakela, 1993
