A visit to Cape Town would not be complete without a visit to
Robben Island. The name is
Dutch for "seal island" (or to be strictly accurate, "island of seals", because Robben is plural). In the 20th century it became infamous as a
gaol for political prisoners under
apartheid. Notable amongst these were
Nelson Mandela,
Walter Sisulu,
Tokyo Sexwale,
Govan Mbeki,
Dennis Brutus and
Robert Sobukwe.
From 1836 to 1931 the island was used as a
leper colony.
You start of the tour with a bus ride around the island. Here is the lime quarry which prisoners had to work on. The cave served as toilet, dining area, class room, and meeting space. The quarry was the only place that prisoners were allowed to speak their native languages so a lot of politicking went on here.
During an anniversary event of the end of apartheid former prisoners came to the island. Mandela started this pile of rocks (he placed the first stone) as a sign of remembrance.
The view of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
There were so many wild animals. Including penguins and rabbits. Who knew they could co-habitate! Africa is so naturey :-P
The Actual prison. This was the political prisoners ward.
Solitary confinement
(random alien plant growing in the middle which I found cool)
Nelson Mandela's cell.
One cannot walk away and not think of the atrocities that man commits.
Back to our fantasy world.
Good-bye Robben Island. We shall never forget.
