A literary pilgrimage to Robben island as inspired by Nelson Mandela's "Long walk to freedom"?

Abstract

OPSOMMING: Die fenomeen van pelgrimstogte aanvanklik as religieuse reise maar later as toeriste ervarings word bespreek. Die klem is op literêre toerisme of literêre pelgrimstogte wat mense onderneem deur die voetspore van ’n bepaalde outeur te volg in die skryf van sy/haar boek. In hierdie geval word die outobiografie van Nelson Mandela se “Long walk to freedom” (1994) – te ondersoek. Empiriese veldwerk is in Junie 2004 onder volwasse besoekers aan Robbeneiland gedoen en toon dat 61% hul besoek as ’n pelgrimstog beskou - ’n soeke na iets dieper of anders in die lewe; met 34% wat dit nie so ervaar het nie; en met 5% geen respons. ABSTRACT: The phenomenon of pilgrimages, initially as religious journeys but later as touristic experiences, is discussed. The focus is on literary tourism or “literary pilgrimages” that people undertake following the footsteps of a particular author in the writing of his/her book. In this case the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, “Long walk to freedom” (1994) is investigated. Empirical fieldwork done in June 2004 amongst adult visitors to Robben Island indicated that 61% regarded their visit as a pilgrimage, as a search for something deeper and different in life, while 34% did not, with 5% not responding.