The Ex-Political Prisoner Association of South Africa (EPPA) is to hold a reunion of apartheid political prisoners on Robben Island in April, to discuss issues of getting assistance from government departments and of pushing towards socio-economic reform.
Mpho Masemola, Deputy Secretary of EPPA says the purpose of the meeting on Robben Island will be to reflect on the current situation in South Africa - the attack of the current ruling party by emerging counter-revolutionary forces. Another key focus will be the plight of ex-political prisoners who they say have been neglected.
Robben Island is not a symbol of oppression but a triumph of good against evil.
— Mpho Masemola, Deputy Secretary of EPPA
Since we have been incarcerated at Robben Island, going back to Robben Island to reflect on the current situation, we thought all these current issues we mentioned will be resolved.
— Mpho Masemola, Deputy Secretary of EPPA
Masemola says they will be opening what is called the Robben Island Leadership institute as a way of fulfilling the site's historical political role.
Robben Island is an international heritage site but it doesn't play its political role. We see it now as a tourist destination.
— Mpho Masemola, Deputy Secretary of EPPA
To hear more about EPPA's reunion at Robben Island, listen below:
