Robben Isand the perfect venue?
2006-02-01 08:43
Cape Town - As marriage officers around the country polish their sermons for the Valentine's Day rush, Home Affairs officials have come up with a novel venue - Robben Island.
The department had booked seven marriage officers for an anticipated string of island weddings on February 14, spokesperson Thabo Mokgola said.
"It is becoming a gala event, the phones have been ringing non-stop."
Robben Island near Cape Town is no stranger to the extraordinary, having served as a former prison, leprosy hospital and mental health institution.
The wedding package of R150 per person included a tour of the island, where many of the country's political leaders were jailed for decades -most notably Nelson Mandela.
The island was recently declared a World Heritage Site and is also a favourite with bird watchers.
Robben Island Museum communications head Palesa Morudu said that although the island was a sombre and serious place, getting married on the island was seen as a "celebration of hope".
"People got married on the island even when they were in prison - it was hope for the future," said Morudu.
"We will make it quite a memorable event for them."
The Home Affairs number to call is 021 461 0773.
- SAPA