South Africa – 2017 -Robben Island

On the way to prison.

No escape!
Well there was this way.

Robben Island is what you might imagine it to be.

It is visible from Cape Town and sits as a reminder of the past and what has happened in South Africa. The trip over is a short one, but can be cancelled quickly if the winds pick up and cause the sea to become too rough for safe passage to the island.

There are many buildings and houses on the island as one might expect. The homes of the administrators and staff are far apart from the actual cells and somewhat isolated from each other.

The prison on the other hand is compact and unassuming. It is not a multi storied affair.  Let there be no mistake, it was a prison.

We were guided by a former prisoner. All of the guides are former prisoners, I believe.

The rooms are very small, with a high, wide, short window, facing an inner court yard. The window is much too high to see from. It only lets light into the cell. There was no way for anyone to escape from this place. It is now a teaching tool for everyone to visit and learn from.

It is worth the short voyage.

We met a young local man on the boat going over who has set up a private school. He is well educated and motivated to help the generations that are coming up in Africa.

We talked for some time, and I know that he will be a success and help many young people have better lives here.

One person can make a difference. History is full of stories about one person making a difference in the world.

Sadly, one evil man can and has often changed our world, as well.

Good men can do the same.

I am now on Facebook at R.C. Hand.

The homes of the administrators.
The prisoner’s cell.
The inner exercise yard. Completely inclosed, no view of anything except the walls and the sky.
Heading back to the mainland after a learning experience. Notice Table Top Mountain in the distance.