Robben Island

The island of lepers, the mentally insane, thieves, and political prisoners is in the bay not far from Cape Town.  The prison, home of 27 years, to Nelson Mandela, is now closed but operating as a tourist site.  The island has been declared a World Heritage site.

A luxury boat now takes prisoners, I mean tourists, to the island.

The boat is run by ex-prison guards, while the prison tours are conducted by ex-prisoners.

A visit to the prison is an extremely emotional experience for many people.  Several people wepted during the tour because it reminded them of the injustices of the past and the hope for the future.  There is a strong sense of forgiveness on this island.  The people who once on opposite sides have not forgotten the past but do now work together.

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This page was last updated on 03/27/02.