Our last visit was memorable as we were in Cape Town having dinner with friends the night Nelson Mandela died. Unconnected to his death, our trip to Robben Island was cancelled the following day due to mechanical issues with the boat. This time we succeeded in going. It was the final part of a day trip which also covered the forcible removal of non-whites from District Six, the colourful Bo-Kaap district and the Langa Township.
The tour of Robben Island is made up of a guided bus trip around the island and being shown around the jail by a former political prisoner. We heard stories of the best and worst of humanity; older inmates mentoring and educating younger inmates, the mistreatment from many of the guards and the bonds formed with others. Our guide was jailed in 1984 as an 18 year old political activist. He was an angry young man who learned from his fellow inmates that anger was selfish and would not help their cause. He is still an activist and an optimist who spoke openly about his mental health challenges to this day. He knew Nelson Mandela and his lasting memory is that he was always interested in the needs of others and not his own.
Shilli-Fully Travels 