South Africa is a country steeped in historic moments. With many important political and humanitarian events taking place over the course of our history, it's only natural that we have landmarks that commemorate and honour the past. Robben Island is one such landmark.
In the 17th and 20th centuries, Robben Island was used as a military base, hospital and prison. The uses of the buildings varied over the years but it was mainly used to house political prisoners as a means of quieting the fight against the apartheid regime. With mounting pressure from the South African people and international attention, negotiations to end apartheid lasted between 1990-1994. Former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly Robben Island's most famous prisoner, having been incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years on the island.
How the past helps to shape the future
Robben Island is now known as a symbol of political freedom. Located 10 km north of Cape Town and around 8 km west of the mainland, in Table Bay, the island is now essential to tourism and was named a World Heritage site in 1999. Visitors can tour the museum, lighthouse and grounds during guided tours and learn about the differences between a life working on the island and being incarcerated on it. In Afrikaans, it's called Robbeneiland and is the Dutch word for "Seal Island" as they were once abundant in the surrounding waters. Early attempts at settling were made at Robben Island, but it was soon decided that it would be best served as a penal colony to separate those believed of wrongdoing from the general population.
A lighthouse was installed in 1864 and further modifications to the island began taking place, Robben Island officially turned into South Africa's most prolific maximum security prison from the mid-1960s to 1991. Mid-level prisoners were still held here until 1996. It was turned into a museum in 1997 and the rest is history!
A drawcard for Cape Town
Table Bay is near the tip of Southern Africa and part of the Atlantic Ocean seaboard. The surviving buildings are the remains of a chapel, lighthouse, World War II military structures, administrative offices and the cells of the maximum-security prison. Within the hospital confines, are also evidence of a long-forgotten leper colony. This only serves to symbolise the triumph over hardship, trauma and adversity and is the reason why thousands are drawn to this site year after year.
Famous visitors of Robben Island include former French President Nicholas Sarkozy, Former President of the United States Barack Obama, singer Beyonce, media tycoon Oprah Winfrey and many more. Alongside Nelson Mandela, there were other prominent political figures who were imprisoned on Robben Island. Struggle heroes like Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki and more were amongst those arrested and imprisoned for treason.
Present day on the island
Today, Robben Island is home to around 150 residents who have formed a small community of local experts who work on keeping this historic legacy alive. Life functions as normal for these inhabitants, with kids playing safely in idyllic environments and showstopping views greeting locals each morning and evening. The Victorian-era buildings house the conference centre and guest house. Tour guides drive through the village and point out key landmarks along the way.
From the distance, driving along the coastline you can spot Cape Town's Table Mountain, Lions Head and Devil's Peak. Inland, you can expect to get up close and personal with the lighthouse built with a range of 24 sea miles and a 1,5 kw lamp. You may spot some wild bucks grazing along the way to a bluegum plantation and a second memorial cemetery close by to the prison.
Robben Island is the experience of a lifetime. For those who value history, it is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the democracy this young nation fought so hard to achieve. Settling down in Cape Town means you will be living in a culturally rich city, close to countless important landmarks of South African history. Seeff has a variety of dream home options in Cape Town's diverse suburbs to choose from. Contact one of our expert agents to view a property today.
Image credit 1: Robben Island Village by Michael Coghlan | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 2.0
Image credit 2: Robben Island Lighthouse by Harvey Barrison | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 2.0
Image credit 3: Robben Island Coast with a view of Table Mountain by Matthias Kniese | Wikipedia | Public Domain