A driver arrived outside our apartment to take us to the dock for the ferry to Robben Island. Although it was an unusual way to spend my birthday, I had been keen to learn more about the island, its history & of course Nelson Mandela. During the ferry ride, we watched a video about Robben Island’s dark past, as it had been a place of torture and political imprisonment since the early 17th century. About 30 minutes later, we arrived at the island and boarded one of three buses that would take us on a tour around the island. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the key political prisoners, and he was a captivating orator, keeping everyone hanging on his every word. He shared stories of the extreme mental and physical torture the prisoners endured, and at times, I struggled to comprehend the depths of their suffering. He also gave us detailed accounts of the political prisoners, all of whom, despite coming from different political factions, played significant roles in the eventual downfall of apartheid.
One story that particularly resonated with me was about Robert Sobukwe, one of the first political prisoners after the Sharpeville Massacre. He was deemed such a threat to the apartheid regime that he was isolated in his own prison building, away from other prisoners with whom he could potentially communicate and influence. Yet, he was still close enough to hear and see them.
The final part of the tour was led by an ex-political prisoner who had been imprisoned toward the end of Nelson Mandela’s time on the island. He emphasized that while Mandela was their leader and an incredible man, the struggle for freedom was always a collective effort. He spoke of the harsh prison life, recounting the brutal regime that was enforced by guards who had been brainwashed into believing they were serving their country’s duty.
The final prisoners left the island in 1991, with the prison formally closing in 1996.
I hadn’t really considered how the visit would affect me emotionally, but it turned out to be a deeply moving experience. I found myself questioning how people could inflict such horrors on their fellow human beings—and for what purpose? The visit to Robben Island was a sobering reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by those who fought for justice and freedom. It left a profound and lasting impression on me.
Dream Chasers 