Robbeneiland (Dutch/Afrikaans): Seal Island

Robben Island lies just off the northern coast of Cape Town. Named for its notable sea lion population, the island is more infamously known as a main prison during the South African Apartheid. While it is no longer used as a prison, it held many famous anti-Apartheid leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe, Robert Sobukwe, and Jacob Zuma.

Today, tourists can visit Robben Island by ferry. Former prisoners offer tours around the island, showcasing the land, barracks, and the prison itself. Many of our students reflected on this unique opportunity, remarking on the immense gravity they felt while standing on such historic and once-hateful land.

One student journaled:

“I’m normally not accustomed to listening to personal stories in history [...] But, hearing all of my tour guides explain their personal connections to the history of the locations was both jarring and intriguing. Listening to the experiences of [...] Sipho's (one of the tour guides) stories of torture at the hands of the police, along with political action and jubilant hope, forced me to re-examine my views of historical narratives.”

Surprisingly, many of the tour guides and workers call the island “home.” They live there with their families, finding genuine comfort and safety in a place that once threatened their livelihood.

Another student remarked:

“[...] [Sipho] told us that he actually resided on the island, and most of the people working on the island live there too. He said he likes living there because he knows he can let his kids go and play and not have to worry about their safety. I think it’s amazing how they can turn this once negative place into more of a positive place”

The stories from Sipho and many others reflect the true resilience of South Africa. We are reminded of our humility and responsibility for one another, regardless of a tragic past.