Robben Island

Prisoners only had one to two changes of clothes. They were always cold in the winter because they wore shorts and only had one blanket for warmth. Nelson Mandela was born in Transkei, SA on July 18, 1918 and was the most famous inmate at Robben Island. He joined the African National Congress in 1944. In 1962 he was arrested for treason and sentenced to five years of hard labor. On June 12, 1964 he was arrested again, along with eight others for plotting to overthrow the government and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was at Robben Island from 1964-1982, thereafter at Pollsmoor Prison nearby on the mainland. His reputation grew and he became a potent symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gathered strength. He consistently refused to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom. On Feb. 11, 1990 he was released from prison. In 1991 he was elected president of the ANC which was banned in 1960. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Most of the South African's all love him, even now and wish that he wasn't so old (90 years). They thought he was great for the country and he understood all of the people, no matter if they were black, Coloured, or Afrikaans. Okay, I think that's enough of a history lesson!!!

Lime pit where Nelson Mandela Labored~The Long Hours and Poor Conditions Helped Contribute to Him Going Blind.

View of Table Mt. from Robben Island

Near the Dock

Light House on Robben Island