Robben Island is getting a spring-clean in Autumn, and volunteers will be steering this particular ship this weekend. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, along with its partners the Robben Island Museum, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, First National Bank, and the Two Oceans Aquarium, will lead a team of volunteers to clean up the island on Human Rights Day. Members of the team will take a ferry to the island on Saturday, 21 March 2026.

“We can all make a difference by one small act of service,” says the Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie.

Robben Island is getting a spring-clean

The Department’s Tania Colyn says this initiative is in its second year, after it was launched in 2025. She says, with the DCAS leading the contingent, the aim is to spend the day on the island, cleaning up as much rubbish as possible. This will be done to preserve and protect this very important UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we’re committed to protecting our natural environment and leaving a positive impact for future generations,” says Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at CCPB.

Spend the day on a clean-up operation on Robben Island

The Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, says Robben Island is one of the most important heritage sites in South Africa. He says people can trace the footsteps and stories of some of the country’s most prominent political leaders. Mackenzie says, as a province, they are committed to commemorating its legacy. At the same time, they are also committed to safeguarding its landscape. He says campaigns like this will contribute to the stories contained there being preserved for many generations to come.

“World Without Waste continues to drive our mission to collect and recycle as many bottles or cans we sell and building continued focus on Returnable packaging and partnerships across sustainability.”

Partnership aimed at cleaning Robben Island

Meanwhile, the Shared Prosperity and Care Head for FNB Commercial Public Sector, Andre Prinsloo, says Protecting Robben Island is not just an act of service. He says it’s a continuation of the responsibility to care for society, the environment and the resources that shape our future. Prinsloo says, working alongside partners and volunteers, they’re proud to put this commitment into action. By doing this, they contribute to preserving a landmark that carries so much of South Africa’s story.

The ferry to the island will leave at 07:30 on Saturday, 21 March 2026.