Robben Island - The Prison Island

With a bit of luck, I was able to get a spot for a tour to Robben Island, as they are usually booked well in advance. The entrance fee is a proud 360 Rand and when buying the ticket, you have to register with your passport for the booked time slot. Half an hour before the boat departs, you have to be at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to go through the security check, which turns out to be ridiculous.

I use the waiting time to take photos and freeze.

On the island itself, we are then transported to the prison by bus. I have no idea why we couldn't walk these measly 200 meters, but never mind. Our guide's name is Sparks and I have to get used to his way of speaking first. And by that, I don't mean his English, but the fact that he speaks less and sings more. Very loudly, very slowly, and with a peculiar intonation. But what he says quickly captivates me. He himself was a political prisoner here for 7 years, in a cell in Section C.

Along with 59 other inmates, without glass in the barred windows and without heating, even in winter when the rain was pouring in. Brrrrh! Washing times were strictly limited, so there was only water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at designated times. Cold water. With 2 showers for 60 inmates. Once a year (!) they were allowed to receive a letter and visit.

Mr. Sparks, who now lives on the island and is dedicated to education, explains the injustice with which colored prisoners were treated. They received even less and poorer food, were only allowed to wear short shorts and t-shirts, and were not allowed to wear socks or shoes. Unbelievable.

We see Nelson Mandela's cell. He was locked up in solitary confinement for 18 years here. Conversations with other prisoners were strictly forbidden. Horrible. And as we go through one door after another, I think about what it must feel like when they are locked to you.

And now - at the end of the tour and the end of his journey, Mr. Sparks has the key to the door to the outside in his hand.