Sport and recreation on Robben Island
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
The article provides insight into an important part of South Africa’s sport history that
has not been explored yet: What was the role sport and recreation played on Robben
Island in the days when it served as political prison? The research has been a
collaborative project of the Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape
Sports Council, Mayibuye Centre and the University of the Western Cape’s
Interdisciplinary Center for Sport Science and Development. Facilitated by the
establishment of a ‘Robben Island General Recreational Committee’ in the 1960s, sport
and recreation took a very special form on the Island. Unknown to South Africans and
the world, during Apartheid, sport and recreation on Robben Island were used as a
vehicle to unite people and to promote values of respect, integrity, dignity, teamwork
and fair play as an integral part of a holistic person. Leisure activities became a place of
triumph of human spirit, body and soul. The research facilitated the process of
digitisation of archives from the Island. Numerous sources were discovered, giving an
insight into the role of sport and recreation for many of South Africa’s past and present
leaders. The study also highlights the role sport and recreation played in the unique
journey to freedom and democracy.
Description
Keywords
Sport, Robben Island, Apartheid, South Africa, Recreation, Political prisoners
Citation
Keim, M. and Bouah, L. (2013). Sport and recreation on Robben Island. International Journal of the History of Sport, 30 (16): 1962-1975