Tying the knot on Robben Island
Karen Pretorius
16 February 2004
Love was in the air on Robben Island on Valentine's Day when 24 couples exchanged marriage vows in the island's chapel.
Once a top-security prison for political leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Robben Island is now a World Heritage Site, a pivotal beacon in the history of South Africa, and a major tourist attraction.
It has also become a favoured spot for couples looking for somewhere far out of the ordinary to tie the knot.
Saturday's wedding ceremonies were arranged by the department of home affairs, with four marriage officers on hand to help the couples say "I do".
Newlyweds Sandy and Mark Phillips from Hanover Park on the Cape Flats said it was for historical reasons that they took the plunge on the Island. They grew up together, and decided two weeks ago to get married. "We really want to bring love to Robben Island", said the groom.
While the bride, in striking red, confessed to serious pre-wedding jitters, she was
grateful to celebrate her wedding on the Island.
The Robben Island chapel, built in 1841, was packed with family members and friends who came to witness the occasion.
Before the wedding ceremony, guests were reminded that the island had once been a place of hatred and oppression.
The home affairs department said the Valentines Day weddings, now in their fifth year, were part of the island's transformation to a place of peace, unity and love.
So popular are the island weddings that three couples pitched up without arranging with home affairs to be part of the ceremony.
Although brides are known for coming late on wedding day, one couple literally missed the boat - this time because the groom, Reginald Hendricks, arrived late. The bride, Geraldine Nutt, with her groom in tow, arrived long after the ceremonies had started.
Last year, 19 couples from as far afield as Germany, England, Ghana and Taiwan were married on the island, which is situated about
12 kilometres offshore from Cape Town.
Source: BuaNews
| 
