An annual celebration of love on Robben Island included the hosting of the first same-sex wedding to ever be held on the island, where two local women said their ‘I do’s’.
A reported 12 couples will tie the knot on the famous island today, which marks 20 years since the island was declared a World Heritage Site.
The two women, Marcia Jumat and Rozeana Julius from Parklands, took the big leap today, 10 years ago they first met while working at McDonalds.
Jumat, 38, who is originally from Stellenbosch, told TimesLIVE that she and Julius wanted to get married in a unique spot.
“We were thinking of the weirdest places we could get married and thought of Robben Island.”
The couple got engaged two years ago after having been dating for four years.
“We were amazed when we found we really could have our wedding there,” said Jumat.
Reports say the couple are planning to honeymoon in Thailand later this year.
In order to get married on Robben Island, couples must submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs by September the year before the date on which they plan to wed.
The department makes the final decision on which couples will be able to tie the knot on the island.
Today we celebrate love by solemnizing marriages on #RobbenIsland. This year the island celebrates 20 years of being declared a #WorldHeritageSite. pic.twitter.com/aFU5CEVxte
— HomeAffairsSA (@HomeAffairsSA) February 14, 2019
Couples are married in the renowned Garrison Church on the island, which has been playing host to weddings every Valentine’s Day for the past 19 years.
Did you know that the Garrison Church was originally built as an Anglican Church? Because of the diversity of people living on the island, in the 1960’s it was changed to an interdenominational place of worship. On 14 February 2019, couples will be married in the church. pic.twitter.com/mOVm4EEYHf
— Robben Island Museum (@robben_island) February 13, 2019
The island has welcomed a range of couples from different communities and walks of life to make their vows at its church.
Home Affairs Minister Siyabonga Cwele, who oversees all marriage ceremonies of all the couples, says over 290 couples have gotten wed on Robben Island over the years.
Minister of #DHA Dr Siyabonga Cwele says just over 290 couples have solemnised their marriages on #RobbenIsland over the years. #RobbenIslandMarriages pic.twitter.com/hAicZSGd3y
— HomeAffairsSA (@HomeAffairsSA) February 14, 2019
We wish all the couples tying the knot on Robben Island today the very best.
Today love is in the air! Our first couples have arrived to get married on the Island. #RobbenIslandWeddings #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/0fTBnEWeYf
— Robben Island Museum (@robben_island) February 14, 2019
Picture: Instagram