Robben Island

Monday, March 17, 2008
Taking the ferry off the coast of South Africa, we all became prisoners of Robben Island for a day. We were held captive by the intricate history and surprising beauty that the island offered to unsuspecting tourists and even residents of South Africa itself.
Through a vivid and animated tour guide, We were regaled with stories of the former uses of the island, which just so happened to be a quarantine area, a criminal prison, a war base in WWII, a political prison, and now a flourishing tourist attraction.
But the things that we won’t ever forget about the prison are not the meagre discriminatory rations, the isolation, the pointless hard labour, or the general discrimination within. They will stay with us, but what stands out was how much God worked through what appeared to be a humiliating and debilitating attack on the leaders of the oppressed. In what seemed hopeless, God was able to transform that situation for his glory in so many ways. Now looking back the island is not only described as a prison, but a vital element in the transformation of a nation. It is so great to see how God can use any seemingly disadvantaged situation for his own advantage.
We left the island with our minds full, still replaying the victory out of the hardships endured by the innocent political prisoners as we left the island to the tourists.
Submitted by Nathan Sullivan.

Sully and Adrienne on the ferry to the Island.

The view of Table Mountain from the ferry in Table Bay.

One of the best views of Table Mountain is from right here on Robben Island.

Inside the prison, this man was our tour guide. It's hard to believe but he was an ex-prisoner in this very prison from 1988 to 1990!

We had a bus tour around the island, and our tour guide did a great job!

This is the limestone quarry when Nelson Mandela and many of the other political prisoners spent most of their days. They were forced to do hard labour with no purpose, so they would gather limestone one day and the next move it to a new pile. This also became the place where many political discussions took place. An unconventional university and training ground for many of South Africa's finest political leaders.

A view of the prison from the inside of the courtyard.

Another inside look.

Ryan, Carissa, Sarah

Steve and Brent, momentarily behind bars.

Jen and Rebekah on the bus tour.

The key hole to Nelson Manela's cell, where he was imprisoned for 17 years!
Mandela's cell.