Robben Island Cape Town
Robben Island has always had a bit of a mysterious feel to it. For hundreds of years Robben Island was home to criminals and juveniles. For the longest time the stories that came from the prison on Robben island were shocking. During the apartheid era this prison became the place where the morale of apartheid opposers was broken down and they were forced to accept the changes to their country.
However the political prisoners that were holed up on Robben Island for sometimes up to 25 years, displayed remarkable strength. Holding on to their hopes and staunchly clinging to their beliefs, they prevailed over their opposers and turned the Robben Island prison into a symbol of hope and freedom. Robben Island became globally symbolic of the victory of human spirit over oppression.
Many years before all this happened, people used to live on Robben Island when the channel between Cape Town and the island wasn't covered with water. However since the Dutch arrived in the 1600's, Robben Island was used mainly as a prison. Robben Island prison became the holding place for a number of important political figures. African and Muslim Leaders, soldiers and civilians, anti-apartheid activists and of course, Nelson Rohihlahla Mandela were all imprisoned on Robben Island.
During the 1960's, the prisoners on Robben Island reached a high point in their morale. This was clearly seen by the prisoners organizing sporting events, putting together political debates and even educational programs. Inadvertently these prisoners were establishing South Africa on the political map.
Much has changed though since those days and Robben Island is now home to a fascinating political museum. A half hour boat trip to Robben Island is followed by a tour of the museum, the prison and the island as a whole. Robben Island is definitely a worthwhile educational visit.
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