ROBBEN ISLAND

Robben Island

Abstract

In this paper, we will be discussing the Robben Island in a holistic context. In addition, we will be analyzing its history and relation to tourism, based on our thesis. Moreover, we will be discussing that why people are inclined towards places related to the concept of “Dark Tourism.” Further, we will also be discussing one of the most famous prisoners of Robben Island, Nelson Mandela.

Table of Contents



Abstractii

Thesis1

Introduction1

Discussion2

History of Robben Island2

Apartheid4

Ownership5

Protective Measures5

Agency with Management Authority6

Level at Which Management Authority Is Exercised6

Factors Affecting the Property7

Development Pressures7

Environmental Pressures7

Natural Disaster and Preparedness8

Erosion9

Visitor/Tourism Pressures9

Number of Inhabitants on the Property, Buffer Zone9

People Visiting Robben Island And Their Experience10

The Term of Dark Tourism11

Dark Tourism12

Nelson Mandela14

Conclusion15

Bibliography16

Robben Island

Thesis

People visit Robben Island to learn about the life and history of Nelson Mandela and the political movement against apartheid. Although the tour of Robben Island for most tourist ends up being fascinating, it also leaves people with a somber and dark experience. Tourism has gained attraction of researchers in recent times. However, there are various positive and negative aspects of tourism, as concluded by studies. Therefore, we have selected a famous destination of tourists, Robben Island, where tourists come not only to visit the ancient place, but also because it is associated with Dark Tourism. In this research, we will be discussing the selected tourist destination and the concept of Dark Tourism that why people are attracted towards places associated with deaths, murders, or battle fields.

Introduction

Southern Africa fascinates with its historical, cultural and natural wonders. In South Africa, Cosmopolitan Cape Town, poised between mountains and ocean, combines Cape Dutch houses and inspiring landmarks, including Robben Island. Bustling Johannesburg, born from a 19th-century gold rush camp, is home to the stirring Apartheid Museum. Robben Island symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit. Within sight of Cape Town, but effectively a world away, the island was the site of the prison that held Nelson Mandela and other political dissidents. Today, former prisoners lead visitors on insightful tours. Despite inhumane conditions, prisoners organized political debates, educational programs and sporting events. They also became the international focus of the fight against apartheid (Walter et al. 1995: 579).

Robben Island is an island in Table Bay, 12 km off the coast of Cape Town, the Western Cape, South Africa. The name in Dutch means 'island of the seals'. The island is nearly round with a diameter of about 1 km. Also, it is flat and rises a few meters above sea level, covering an area of 5.07 km² (507 hectares) (Tarlow 2005: 48).

The topic that will be discussed throughout this research paper is Robben Island. Furthermore it will take a closer look at Dark Tourism and how it relates to Robben Island. It will touch on why people visit, who visits and what is the touristic experience. This Island is located off South Africa in Cape Town, is named after the early Dutch colonists, who renamed Robbeneiland, literally the city of seals. It is easy to see why: a large population ...