Robben Island Photoblog

On Sunday, 30 June 2013 the group of eager SANPAD delegates took a memorable trip to Robben Island. 

As many of us embarked on this trip to Robben Island, we knew the history and the legacy of this island...or did we?

Throughout our democratic existence in this country, in our schools, in the newspaper, in the books we've read; we were in one way or the other informed about what had happened on the island. We knew that it was the place that our former (and probably most beloved) president had been incarcerated for 18 years. We knew that many other leading political members of anti-apartheid parties were imprisoned alongside Madiba. We knew quite a lot of things about this place. We knew this. We knew~~or so we thought.

So off we went, a really truly diverse group of South African friends. A true reflection of the rainbow nation. A nation, that in it's current existence, would be had it not been for the Robert Sobukwe's, the Nelson Mandela's, the Mac Maharaj's, the Neville Alexanders, the Ahmed Kathrada's....the list is endless. 

A rainbow nation well on it's way to effect change                                          Picture: Nana Vezi      

For many who have visited the island for the first time, this was an emotional experience and it becomes difficult to swallow back the tears. Alas, these tears are not in sympathy, but in the deep appreciation knowing that people fought. People struggled. People died....so that we could live. We are here because someone died for us to be here. To be free. To live free. There is power in that!

"I am humbled, never thought I could be so overwhelmed with emotions. I blame the tour guide, he was meticulous with details. Ya ne', i don't live on favours and I will not apologise for that, Mandela gave us this freedom. Your legacy will remain Madiba!" Jane Nkhenyane, Johannesburg

Taking the long walk to freedom                                                                    Picture: Sicelo Dludla                                                                                                 

SANPAD cohort 2013, like the 'long walk to freedom' our political prisoners took many years ago, so too must we take our walk towards scholarship. Although not comparable with their struggle,  ours too will be a long walk.It'll be a hard walk, but it'll be a walk worth taking knowing that we are armed with the tools SANPAD has given us to complete this journey successfully.
Baring that, we will always have each other.  UBUNTU: I am, because we are. 

View from the ferry                                                                                                                    Picture: Simone Titus

Nana doing the 'titanic'                                                                                                                     Picture: Simone Titus

Zhikona wearing a fire jacket due to the cold                                                                           Picture: Sicelo Dludla                      

"A humbling experience for a South African youth. An invaluable opportunity to learn about how far out country has progressed and the responsibility on our shoulders to continue building South Africa" Margot Flint, Cape Town

The Lime Quarry where Madiba worked                                                              Picture: Sicelo Dludla            

Captain's house, now used as a guesthouse for dignitaries                     Picture: Sicelo Dludla

"Although the trip was very educational, it did stir up emotions of both horror and pride simultaneously. Horror? when I was reminded once again of what had happened to our people during the time, but also a sense of immense pride to be associated with such endurance and determination to such an extent that it made me very proud of the race that I am and it motivated me even more to finish my doctoral degree as it will in a way show that what happened during that time was not in vain?" Joany Fransman, North West Province

Elgonda docks in on the island                                                                             Picture: Simone Titus

The Science Girls                                                                                     Picture: Simone Titus

Siyabonga Dlamini                                                                          Picture: Simone Titus

It was my first trip to the Island and it was a humbling experience. However, it brought back bad memories but we have come a long way,now they are just memories.We give all thanks to all the people who fought for a better South Africa. Let us rejoice for our former president MADIBA, Viva, Viva my people. Look at us we are a happy rainbow nation. Nana Vezi, Richards Bay (KZN)

At the docks                                                                    Picture: Sicelo Dludla

Bronwyne, Nadia and Mbazima sitting on the upper deck

Cape Town stadium, Signal Hill

Caiphus, Takshita, Chantelle and Kerisha below deck

A picture of prisoners as they arrive on the island

The leper graveyard

The above picture is that of the leper graveyard. Individuals who had leprocy were shipped off to the island because they were not deemed suitable within 'normal' society.

The lime quarry where the prisoners worked

 For about 13 years, Nelson Mandela and other prisoners worked in the lime quarry. They were initially told that they would work there for 6 months and the the lime would be used for the roads on the island. 

It is here where it is said that our country's first democratic constitution was written.  

.....
Post island lunch