“Could Robben Island be South Africa’s new party destination” has been the hot topic on everyone’s lips over the past week after a tweet went viral.
Tshepiso Vanessa Ralehlathe posted a photo of the historical landmark, along with the caption “Robin Island is 5,18 km². Make it a party Island already”.
Robin Island is 5,18 km². Make it a party Island already ??. pic.twitter.com/Q2etWcvnM8
— Tshepiso Vanessa Ralehlathe (@Tshepiso_Says) October 28, 2021
Since then, social media has been buzzing as Twitter users started planning which festivals they’d host on the island, with one Squid Game fan suggesting that the Netflix hit should be part of the activities.
@kumille_ said “South Africa’s Ibiza? nah i’m listening” while @archiehercules said “the tourist money we could bring in.”
Here are a few more responses:
@Livin_Larche – “Excuse me? The ancestors will wake up and snatch your feet.”
@K0KETSO – “we need to let go of the past…”
@Tori_fuego – “If I could, I would turn this island into squid game prison version. I would send all the rapists and murderers to the island, the losers die and only one winner gets freedom.”
@LeratoMannya – “You guys will see ghosts mid-groove.”
But a new topic is in the spotlight as the public questions just how disrespectful this “idea” is to the painful history of South Africa. So the question remains: is this a form of disrespect to a location that bleeds history and suffering? Or is it a great idea that might just bring in tons of revenue for South Africa.
While it’s uncertain whether Ralehlathe was cracking a joke or dead serious about this ‘master plan’, a spokesperson for the Robben Island Museum, Morongoa Ramaboa, said, as per IOL:
“Robben Island Museum (RIM) notes and appreciates the trending dialogue on Twitter among the youth of South Africa and appreciates the vast interest and knowledge about the acclaimed National and World Heritage Site.
“RIM is a space of dialogue and learning as well as a site of memory about our painful history as a nation. In accommodating our youth and to further educate them about the history of Robben Island, RIM hosts a number of exhibitions, events, outreach and educational programmes on the island.”
So there you have it folks. It’s a big no from the Robben Island Museum. But those who are keen can’t help but wonder what would have been…
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