EFF condemns Robben Island closure

12 February 2015 - 20:50 By Sapa
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Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, file photo.
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, file photo.
Image: Gallo images

The Economic Freedom Fighters on Thursday condemned the decision by the Robben Island Museum to cancel the pre-arranged and paid for visit by the EFF to the island and said it will approach the courts.

National spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said the EFF paid for an official visit to Robben Island on Friday to hold an "alternate state-of-the-nation" address.

"Threatened by the political programme of the EFF, the politicians in the Robben Island Museum Council and the minister of arts and culture cancelled all ferries and visits to the island in the pretext that there will be urgent repairs at the island.

"We know from the staff of Robben Island that there was never any repairs planned for this weekend and this was introduced to prevent the EFF from visiting the island," he said.

Ndlozi said the EFF respected the rule of law and would fight attempts to "abuse public institutions and platforms".

He said the EFF would urgently approach the courts for an interdict against the decision of Robben Island Museum to cancel the visit.

"We approach the court because we believe that the management of the island should never enter into political decisions under the pretext of renovations and repairs."

The EFF appreciated the contribution made by freedom fighters who were imprisoned on Robben Island, he said.

The party wanted to visit the island to draw inspiration from freedom fighters and "assure those that perished at the island that we have picked up the spear and now fighting towards economic freedom".

He said the EFF would inform the media on where the press conference and alternate Sona would happen.

No further details on the court action were provided.

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