The tour to Robben Island is approximately 4 hours from the time of departure to the return at the waterfront.
We make all necessary arrangements including the boat trip and transport on the island. Snacks are provided on request in advance.
History
Robben Island is a prison mo more. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site and it is protected as a National Monument. Since the time of incarceration of political prisoners, the island acquired its other name “Devils Island.” Conditions on the Island were most brutal: tortures and assaults were a daily occurrence.
The Warders’ instructions, coming from Pretoria, were to humiliate and break down the fighting spirit of the freedom fighters imprisoned there. But the Political Prisoners maintained their fighting spirit for freedom, peace and. Prisoners went on hunger strikes, they petitioned Pretoria and raised their plight as best as they could.
They campaigned vigorously to be released unconditionally from prison so that they could play their rightful role in a free South Africa. The world campaign for the release of Political Prisoners grew. The people of South Africa continued the struggle and their demand for the release of prisoners was gaining momentum all the time. The pressure on the Apartheid regime was growing relentlessly. Conditions gradually started improving on the Island. Tortures and assaults were becoming fewer and fewer. Political prisoner were being treated more humanely.
Eventually Political Prisoners were allowed to study and to play sports and the general conditions became bearable. Daily political discussion took place. Events in Africa and the world were discussed and analysed. Indeed the future polices of the new South Africa were discussed and formulated on the island. For many political prisoners, Robben Island became an education second to none
|
