Robben Island has had a variety of inhabitants over the centuries. It was once a leper colony, housed a mental institution, was a military base and what we synonymously think of it as - the maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of incarceration. There were three prisons on the island. One for political prisoners (maximum security), one for Robert Sobukwe who opposed apartheid, and a prison everyday criminals. Only black, coloured or Indian men were sent to the island. We were given a tour of the maximum security prison by a former inmate who was imprisoned for 7 years. The overall message that comes through is one of triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
Two hundred people still live on Robben Island. They work for the museum.
Robert Sobukwe's "house".
Elementary school. Older children take the ferry to school in Cape Town.
Limestone quarry where prisoners toiled for day after day for years. The cave served as a bathroom, eating area and meeting place.
A tough, barren landscape.
