Emmanuel Ukudolo I Tuesday, April 29, 2025
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – For the millions of tourists visiting Cape Town on a yearly basis, the dream of reaching Robben Island where former President of South Africa, Dr Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held for decades in dehumanizing circumstances would probably remain a dream but the hydraulic Swing Bridge, which has been constructed in the African Trading Port, Victoria Wharf to link the Gateway to Robben Island that houses the jetty and offices, including the ticketing and reservation area where each of the massive boats with capacity to carry 165 tourists at a time ducks.
The Swing Bridge is a masterpiece of artwork of about 6 by 50 feet held in place by solid rope like rods that swings to and fro depending on the emerging ship.
It is built to open, that is swing to the side to allow for passage of ships in the canal and close when no ship is in sight to allow for passage of visitors admiring the beauty of the wharf and the seals having fun either in the clean water or basking in the sun as they prepare to embark on the 40 minutes journey to Robben Island.