Robben Island
Title
Robben Island
Description
Upon leaving IJR’s Youth Dialogue, we were finally able to visit Robben Island. This was a maximum-security prison used to isolate political prisoners during the 17th-20th century and it also served as the military base and a hospital to house/quarantine people with illnesses deemed as “socially unacceptable”. Amongst many revolutionary political prisoners, South Africa’s first black President, Nelson Rolihlala Mandela, himself spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment here.
This museum serves as one of South Africa’s main historical focal point. It’s history dates back to 350 years ago with the interaction and incarceration of local Khoehkoe leader, Autshumanto, by Jan Van Riebeeck, colonialist and the first Dutch settler. Later on during World War II, it was used as a military base. The Island housed the all those exiled and served as a monument of solitary confinement.
We began our tour by taking a 45min ferry to arrive on the island. Once we arrived, our tour started off by the guide showing us a picture blown up on a wall near the dock, showcasing the conditions of some of the prisoners arriving on the island. This was a strong reminder of the brutal system of apartheid. They were forced off the ferry to face the harsh climate with inadequate clothing and already deteriorating health conditions. After long and brutal humiliating procedures, prisoners were cast away from the rest of society and were forced to perform hard labor while being constantly under surveillance.
During the tour, our guide stressed the importance of not allowing the prisoners any privacy and closely monitoring them. They also segregated the prisoners under the classification of ‘Black’ and ‘Coloured’. Coloured’s would be given smaller priviledges such as differently meals and clothing while Blacks were given scraps and bare minimal amounts to survive. This was meant to be a reflection of apartheids institutionalized hierarchy.
After our guided tour, we were able to walk and visit some of the prison cells by an ex-political prisoner. Though prisoners were meant to remain isolated from the rest of the population, Mandela and other captives were constantly studying. Mandela was able to write and smuggle his autobiography off of the island. This lifeless island was meant to strip away any beacon of hope and opportunity, but this only further fanned the prisoners and the international community’s resistance to apartheid. Prisoners actively struggled to obtain access to educational material and organized when they could. I remember our guide telling us that the prisoners would cover up the windows during intervals when the guards switched shifts so they could communicate and opposed the power structure. This is just one example of the continual fighting spirit of the people.
The island is a constant reminder of both oppression and the triumph. Now Robben Island serves as one of the leading tourist cites, an opportunity for educational programming, and ongoing research. Reading about the history of South Africa in class did little preparation for the emotional impact of our visit. I was able to reflect on all of the history and advancements made in South Africa, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the prison when walking around Cape Town and observing the state’s militarized paranoia and socio-economic disparities.
Separations of communities based on ethnicities are still prevalent and the stark contrast between privilege and monetary poverty is visible to most South Africans. Even amidst these harsh realities, the spirit of Ubuntu and that of all the freedom fighters can be seen amongst the people, especially the youth. The spirit of resistance is a torch that continues to shine bright and stand unwavering.
This museum serves as one of South Africa’s main historical focal point. It’s history dates back to 350 years ago with the interaction and incarceration of local Khoehkoe leader, Autshumanto, by Jan Van Riebeeck, colonialist and the first Dutch settler. Later on during World War II, it was used as a military base. The Island housed the all those exiled and served as a monument of solitary confinement.
We began our tour by taking a 45min ferry to arrive on the island. Once we arrived, our tour started off by the guide showing us a picture blown up on a wall near the dock, showcasing the conditions of some of the prisoners arriving on the island. This was a strong reminder of the brutal system of apartheid. They were forced off the ferry to face the harsh climate with inadequate clothing and already deteriorating health conditions. After long and brutal humiliating procedures, prisoners were cast away from the rest of society and were forced to perform hard labor while being constantly under surveillance.
During the tour, our guide stressed the importance of not allowing the prisoners any privacy and closely monitoring them. They also segregated the prisoners under the classification of ‘Black’ and ‘Coloured’. Coloured’s would be given smaller priviledges such as differently meals and clothing while Blacks were given scraps and bare minimal amounts to survive. This was meant to be a reflection of apartheids institutionalized hierarchy.
After our guided tour, we were able to walk and visit some of the prison cells by an ex-political prisoner. Though prisoners were meant to remain isolated from the rest of the population, Mandela and other captives were constantly studying. Mandela was able to write and smuggle his autobiography off of the island. This lifeless island was meant to strip away any beacon of hope and opportunity, but this only further fanned the prisoners and the international community’s resistance to apartheid. Prisoners actively struggled to obtain access to educational material and organized when they could. I remember our guide telling us that the prisoners would cover up the windows during intervals when the guards switched shifts so they could communicate and opposed the power structure. This is just one example of the continual fighting spirit of the people.
The island is a constant reminder of both oppression and the triumph. Now Robben Island serves as one of the leading tourist cites, an opportunity for educational programming, and ongoing research. Reading about the history of South Africa in class did little preparation for the emotional impact of our visit. I was able to reflect on all of the history and advancements made in South Africa, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the prison when walking around Cape Town and observing the state’s militarized paranoia and socio-economic disparities.
Separations of communities based on ethnicities are still prevalent and the stark contrast between privilege and monetary poverty is visible to most South Africans. Even amidst these harsh realities, the spirit of Ubuntu and that of all the freedom fighters can be seen amongst the people, especially the youth. The spirit of resistance is a torch that continues to shine bright and stand unwavering.
Creator
Amina
Source
Pictures taken at Robben Island
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