Robben Island

Today we managed to have the opportunity to visit Robben Island. This is where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner after being charged with political offence. The boat ride to the island was great as we managed to spot whales that were not too far away from the boat. 

When we arrived we were lead around the island on a bus with a tour guide aboard. After the driven tour we were given a tour of inside the prison. We were shown around by a former prisoner who was sentenced for terrorism. His act of "terrorism" was peaceful protesting against apartheid. 

We learned that the prisoners were only allowed 1 hour of sports per day and for the rest of the day they had to remain in their cells. We also found out that male prisoners were kept separate from women and children who were held in buildings behind the prisons. The most surprising thing we were taught was that common law prisoners and political prisoners were kept in the maximum security prison, whilst murderers, theifs and rapists were only held in the medium security prison.

On the boat ride back we managed to see Dolphins and enjoy the beautiful views of Table Mountain and the Capetown Stadium which was built for the purpose of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 




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