Robben Island Museum (RIM) is hiring for 43 six-month contract positions in 2026, offering opportunities across visitor operations, tourism, retail, transport, information services and administration.

The available positions include Bus Drivers, Shop Assistants, General Tour Guides, Prison Guides, Information Officers and Switchboard Operators.

These vacancies may appeal to job seekers with experience in driving, tourism, customer service, retail, reception and visitor management. However, requirements differ depending on the position, so applicants should carefully check the specific requirements before applying.

The closing date is 18 August 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will automatically be disqualified.

Robben Island Museum Vacancies 2026

There are 43 positions available across seven categories:

• Bus Drivers x6
• Shop Assistants x3
• General Tour Guides x10
• Prison Guides x8
• Ticket-Sales Officers x8
• Information Officers x6
• Switchboard Operators x2

All positions are advertised as six-month contracts.

Important: The information supplied for this advert provides detailed requirements for the Bus Driver, Shop Assistant, General Tour Guide, Prison Guide, Information Officer and Switchboard Operator positions. Applicants should ensure they use the correct application email and subject line for the position they are applying for.

1. Bus Drivers x6

The Bus Driver positions are within the Visitor Operations Department.

The successful candidates will transport visitors and residents around Robben Island, following planned routes and schedules. Duties include conducting daily vehicle inspections, checking fuel, water and oil, maintaining vehicle records, reporting vehicle defects and ensuring passengers are transported safely.

Drivers may also be required to assist elderly and disabled passengers and operate wheelchair ramps when necessary.

Requirements

• Grade 10
• Matric is an added advantage
• At least 3 years’ verifiable driving experience on light and heavy vehicles
• Valid, unendorsed Code 14 driver’s licence with PDP
• Good driving record
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations
• No drunken-driving record

How to apply

Send a detailed CV, contactable referees and a copy of your ID to:

📧 Recruit1@robben-island.org.za

Subject line: BUS DRIVERS 08/2026

2. Shop Assistants x3

The Finance Department is looking for Shop Assistants who will be responsible for stock control, cash handling, merchandise and customer service.

Duties include loading and offloading cargo, processing sales and admissions, reconciling cash receipts, monitoring stock, responding to customer enquiries and maintaining good customer service standards.

Requirements

• Matric
• At least 2 years’ experience in retail, customer service, till operation or cashier work
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to speak English and at least two other languages

A higher certificate in Retail Business Management, Retail Management, Marketing, Sales or Business Management will be an advantage.

How to apply

Send your application to:

📧 Recruit2@robben-island.org.za

Subject line: SHOP ASSISTANTS 08/2026

3. General Tour Guides x10

Robben Island Museum is recruiting 10 General Tour Guides within Visitor Operations.

Tour Guides will conduct tours and provide visitors with information about Robben Island’s history, marine life, buildings, geography and natural environment.

Candidates will also research historical information, participate in training and meetings, manage tour stops and interact with visitors from different backgrounds.

Requirements

• Registered Tour Guide with a Western Cape badge
• Diploma or Degree in Tourism, History, Social Science or a related qualification
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience
• Fluency in English and another official South African language
• Knowledge of South African and world political history
• Knowledge of environmental heritage and tourism

A foreign language and Bachelor’s Degree will be advantageous.

How to apply

Send your detailed CV, contactable referees and ID copy to:

📧 Recruit1@robben-island.org.za

Subject line: GENERAL TOUR GUIDES 08/2026

4. Prison Guides x8

There are 8 Prison Guide positions available in the Public Heritage Education Department.

The role involves sharing the history of Robben Island Museum with visitors and explaining the political and social history of the prison and its connection to South African and world history.

Requirements

• Applicants should be ex-political prisoners of Robben Island with knowledge of the prison’s history
• One year’s experience will be an advantage
• Fluent in at least two South African official languages
• Computer literacy
• Foreign-language skills are advantageous

Applicants must provide a verifiable prison number together with their application.

How to apply

Send your application to:

📧 Recruit2@robben-island.org.za

Subject line: PRISON GUIDES 08/2026

5. Information Officers x6

Robben Island Museum is also recruiting 6 Information Officers.

These employees will welcome visitors, provide information, assist tourists, validate tickets, facilitate ferry boarding, assist visitors with special needs and respond to enquiries.

Requirements

• Matric
• Minimum 2 years’ customer-service experience
• Computer literacy
• Fluency in two official languages
• Strong customer-service skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving ability

A higher certificate in Tourism, Public Relations or Marketing and a Customer Service certificate will be advantageous.

How to apply

Send your CV, contactable referees and ID copy to:

📧 Recruit2@robben-island.org.za

Subject line: INFORMATION OFFICERS 08/2026

6. Switchboard Operators x2

There are 2 Switchboard Operator vacancies within Visitor Operations.

The successful candidates will handle incoming calls, take messages, direct visitors, distribute post and faxes, update staff directories and provide basic information about Robben Island Museum.

Requirements

• Matric
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in switchboard or telephone reception
• Computer literacy
• Fluency in two official languages
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Good telephone etiquette
• Customer-service orientation
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

A higher certificate in Tourism, Public Relations or Marketing will be advantageous.

How to apply

Send your application to:

📧 Recruit2@robben-island.org.za

Subject line: SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR 08/2026

📧 Robben Island Museum Application Email Addresses

For easy reference, here are the email addresses:

Recruit1@robben-island.org.za
Used for:

• Bus Drivers
• General Tour Guides

Recruit2@robben-island.org.za
Used for:

• Shop Assistants
• Prison Guides
• Information Officers
• Switchboard Operators

Do not send applications to the general enquiries or recruitment information email address unless the specific vacancy instructions tell you to do so. Use the email address and subject line provided for your chosen position.

Important Documents

Applicants should prepare the required documents before applying. Depending on the position, these include:

• Updated and detailed CV
• Copy of South African ID
• Contactable referees
• Verifiable prison number for Prison Guide applicants
• Relevant qualifications and supporting documents where applicable

Applicants should also make sure their CV contains accurate contact details and clearly shows relevant qualifications and work experience.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Robben Island Museum vacancies is 18 August 2026 at 16:00.

Late applications will automatically be disqualified.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully check the requirements of their preferred position and use the correct email address and subject line. Using the wrong subject line or failing to include required documents could affect the application.

Robben Island Museum states that preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Applicants who do not receive communication within 30 days should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Final Thoughts

These Robben Island Museum vacancies 2026 provide opportunities for people with backgrounds in driving, tourism, retail, customer service, visitor operations and administration. With 43 six-month contract positions available, eligible candidates should review the requirements carefully and submit complete applications before the deadline.