Cape Town - The Ex-Political Prisoners Association (EPPA) is demanding permission to build a “wall of remembrance” at the Robben Island Museum to commemorate all former political prisoners.

In a statement to mark Nelson Mandela’s release from prison 30 years ago, EPPA secretary-general Mpho Masemola said: “If there are no funds, let the people and ourselves fund this noble project of memorialisation.”

Masemola claimed: “The Department of Arts and Culture has abandoned the legacy and heritage of Nelson Mandela at Robben Island Museum, and must be reminded that no delay will be tolerated in involving the ex-political prisoners in the development of the island.”

Masemola said the association hoped that the government “would provide the necessary guarantees if we are allowed to raise the funds needed for such development”.

Speaking about a scheduled increase in ticket price tariffs for visitors to the island set for June 1, Masemola said: “All the money generated from the ticket sales must directly benefit ex-political prisoners and their dependants. The funds should be channelled through a trust fund administrated by the museum and EPPA.”