Leaders of the Economic Freedom Front (EFF) are expected to visit Robben Island on Wednesday at the invitation of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

In a statement, the Foundation said the invitation was in honour of a wish made by the late anti-apartheid stalwart and former Robben Island prisoner, Ahmed Kathrada before his death.

“Before his passing, Kathrada expressed a wish to take leaders of the opposition parties, Mmusi Maimane [Democratic Alliance leader] and Julius Malema [EFF leader], for a tour of the Island. This was noted at Kathrada’s funeral,” said Neeshan Balton, the Foundation’s Executive Director in a statement.

“Subsequently, the EFF, to mark what would have been Kathrada’s 88th birthday on August 21, requested that the Foundation conduct a tour for its leadership.”   

Balton said the tour will be conducted in accordance with the wishes of Kathrada, who passed away in March this year. It will also form part of the national programme of tribute on Kathrada’s life and legacy.

“His long-time comrade, fellow Robben Island prisoner, and Foundation Board member, Laloo Chiba, 86, will lead the tour. He will be accompanied by several other members of the Foundation’s Board, including Kathrada’s wife, herself a former political prisoner, Barbara Hogan,” said Balton.