Robben Island

Robben Island, located off the coast of South Africa, is historically significant as a former prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were incarcerated. It is now a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing the struggle against apartheid. Recent news highlights two distinct aspects of the island. Firstly, the legal battle surrounding the sale of Nelson Mandela's personal items, including a prison key, sunglasses, and shirts, has concluded with his daughter winning the right to auction them. This has sparked debate about cultural heritage and ownership. Secondly, Robben Island is also a critical habitat for African penguins. A recent study reveals a devastating decline in penguin populations due to the collapse of sardine stocks, leading to mass starvation. This underscores the island's ecological vulnerability and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its biodiversity.