More than 200 volunteers rolled up their sleeves for a major clean-up effort on Robben Island, marking Human Rights Day (21 March) with meaningful action.
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), alongside partners including the Robben Island Museum, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), SANCCOB and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, led the initiative to protect the island’s status as a national heritage site.
The event formed part of an ongoing partnership focused on preserving Robben Island, with volunteers collecting numerous bags of litter during the clean-up drive.
Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, said: “In celebrating Human Rights Day, we want to remind the people of our province that it is their right to have access to our beautiful heritage sites and to contribute to the upkeep of these sites.
“If every person commits to one small act of service, we can make a meaningful impact in preserving the heritage of our province for many years to come.”
Priscilla Urquhart, a spokesperson for CCPB, said they have a driving force locally to reduce packaging waste through collection, collaboration, innovation and regular community clean-up operations.
Andre Prinsloo, Head of Shared Prosperity and Care for FNB, added that the financial service provider is proud to contribute to Robben Island’s preservation through initiatives that not only protect the environment but also bring communities together in service.
Head of Conservation at SANCCOB, Nicky Stander, said every piece of waste removed helps create a safer, healthier environment for the Critically Endangered African Penguin and other vulnerable seabirds.
“Removing marine debris directly reduces threats such as entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation, ensuring these iconic species have a better chance of survival in an increasingly pressured marine ecosystem.”
Dr Nathalie Viljoen, Co-Lead of Ocean Campus at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, said: “Seeing entities come together for one common goal is really an inspiring sight, and we are privileged to participate in, and contribute to remove human generated waste and debris from Robben Island.
“Thank you to all partners who joined resources in support of the conservation of this incredible heritage site.”
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