We took a trip to Robben Island to visit the historical site of so much oppression during the years of Apartheid. Robben Island's significance is due to it's very important political prisoners. Among them was leader of the PAC - Pan Africanist Congress - Robert Sobukwe, and our former president and leader of the ANC - African National Congresss - Nelson Mandela. Robert was the forefather of the revolution against Apartheid, and Nelson made it happen. There was segregation within the prison amongst white, asian, colored and black prisoners. Black prisoners received less food than the rest, and did not have socks, underwear, long pants or a jacket. They were only allowed to send and receive one letter per month and weren't allowed any visits. Other inmates were allowed to send and receive 2 letters per month and receive 2 visitors, as well as buy sweets and candy, whereas the other inmates were forbidden to do so.
See the links below if you're interested in more accurate historical accounts, not that Wikipedia is all that reliable sometimes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Mangaliso_Sobukwehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_mandelaThis was my third visit. I was accompanying Reinhardt and Damon on their first voyage to the island. We had the same bus driver/tourist guide as I've had twice before, but he is the best, and has the best historical accounts of the island. MUST VISIT.
The pictures below feature the prison and Nelson's miniature cell:
No comments:
Post a Comment