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Robben Island -
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State of Emergency
In 1985, PW Botha (then State President of South Africa) declared a state of emergency in the country. My mother was horrified when she heard the news. I grew up in Zimbabwe and we were still living there. Mum did her best to explain apartheid to a self-absorbed teenager... I'm sure she did a good job, but my real understanding came later.
In 1989 our university campus was a hotbed of opposition politics. Robben Island was still a forced 'home' to many political prisoners, although Nelson Mandela had been moved to a mainland prison by then. My first-hand education about apartheid policies and their legacy had just begun.
History of Robben Island
The Island's pre-apartheid history is not very interesting to the lay person, though if you're an archaeologist, it's probably fascinating!
It was inhabited in the Stone Age, when people could actually walk to it from the mainland. Later, sea levels rose and from then on little is known about the island's uses until the late 17th century. That's when the Dutch colonists arrived at the Cape of Good Hope.
The Dutch used the island as a prison. Out of sight, out of mind for those troublesome individuals trying to put a spoke in the wheels of the colonists' plans!
In the late 19th century its isolated position made it a good choice for a leper colony and mental illness hospital. The leper church is still standing today.
During World War 2 it was used as a training and defence station.
Finally, in the 1960's the island became infamous as a prison for anti-apartheid activists.
Nelson Mandela
was the most famous inmate, but a fair number of our current Members of Parliament, not to mention President Mbeki's father had the misfortune of being inmates there for many years, too. They did hard labour in the limestone quarry there and were subjected to shocking prison conditions.
Apartheid has been dismantled. South Africa has been a democracy for since 1994. In spite of this, Robben Island as a symbol is still incredibly important to us in South Africa. That's why the Museum is there.
Why is Robben Island a World Heritage site?
In 1999, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site because of its significance in South African history as a prison for high-profile Apartheid activists.
The Island has been a museum since 1997.
Your journey to Robben Island starts from the Clocktower at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront . It is from here that you catch the ferry.
The Museum's standing exhibits are on display there. The island itself and its buildings are a living museum once you arrive.
This famous quote by Nelson Mandela always inspires me. He said
"We will not allow Robben Island to be turned into a chamber of horrors. Many of us learnt valuable lessons here, this was in fact our university of learning."
What a trip!
Don't miss out on this trip - it's so worthwhile. Right now the guides who take you around the island are still former detainees. Obviously they won't be around forever! Their stories about life as a prisoner there are so moving, so personal. They are a gracious and dignified testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
Each cell tells its own story of its own inmate, and the presence of small personal items from that time donated by former inmates brings the details to life.
Here's some useful information to help you plan your trip to Robben Island.
Opening hours
Open every day except May 1st (Workers’ Day)
Ferries leave at 09h00, 10h00, 11h00, 12h00, 13h00, 14h00 and 15h00.
Hours may be extended in peak periods.
Cost
Your ticket price includes the return ferry ride, a guided tour of the prison and limestone quarry and a bus tour of the island.
In case you missed it above, I advise you to book ahead if you can! Telephone (021) 411-1006 or e-mail ebookings@robben-island.org.za
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