Robben Island Museum resumes tours as of today, Monday September 14, however, due to the level 2 lockdown restrictions, they will only operate two tours weekly – on Mondays and Saturdays at 11am.Â
Morongoa Ramaboa, Robben Island Museum spokesperson, said the effect of the Covid-19 had resulted in numerous resource challenges facing the institution and the tourism industry as a whole. “Reopening will give all of us an opportunity to gradually come back stronger and rebuild the tourism industry together.
Tour capacity and frequency will be relooked at and gradually increased based on the domestic demand and reopening of international travel, she said.Â
Health protocols put in place for visitors to the island include:
- No person will be permitted to enter the premises or participate in a tour without wearing a mask.
- Covid-19 screening and testing is conducted at the main entrance of all premises, and it is compulsory.
- Several Covid-19 procedures have been developed to mitigate the spread of the virus, including a screening and testing procedure for dealing with suspected, and confirmed Covid-19 cases.
- RIM has appointed a hygiene service company to decontaminate and disinfect all affected areas in an event of a confirmed Covid-19 case.
- Employees, including all operational staff, are receiving training on all COVID 19 procedures.
- Hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed at various locations.
- Social distancing markings, and other Covid-19 signage have been installed at various locations to remind people of the health and safety protocols.
- The ferries and vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected before, and after every tour.
- RIM is in the process of applying for the WTTC Safe Travels stamp as an additional visitor safety measure.
- There will also be no ticket increase this year.Â
The ferry will only operate at 70% capacity for now while buses will load half of its capacity. However, the group will be divided into smaller groups of twenty-five upon arrival to the island.Â
Sites that will be prioritised are:Â
- Maximum security prison
- Visitor centre
- Lime quarry
- Robert Sobukwe complex
People who want to visit the island are urged to purchase tickets online or at Pick n Pay, however, tickets are available at Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront. Tickets cost R400 for South Africans, and R600 for non-South Africans. South African children pay R210, while non-South African children pay R310.Â
Rescheduling of tickets can be done at reschedule@robben-island.org.za
“The Museum has been closed for five months now due to the National Lockdown in attempt to contain the spread of Covid-19 and we are excited to welcome our local visitors and implore them to choose the Island as a destination of choice. Let us reconnect because ‘later’ has finally arrived,”said Ms Ramaboa.Â
For more information, visit www.robben-island.org.za