Which famous prisoner was held on Robben Island?
Nelson Mandela
Following the Rivonia Trial, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison. He was sent to Robben Island where he was imprisoned for 18 years,1964-1982. Mandela was kept with many other, mostly political prisoners in Section B, each in their own cell to avoid conversation.
Can you visit Nelson Mandela’s cell?
The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. The tours are implemented in partnership with individual schools as and when requested.
Who else was imprisoned on Robben Island?
Thousands of ‘ordinary’ foot-soldiers were imprisoned on the island, along with other big names, such as John Nyathi Pokela, Johnson Mlambo, Zephania Mothopeng, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo (from SWAPO), Neville Alexander, Billy Nair, Sonny Venkatrathnam, Kader Hassim, Fikile Bam, Eddie Daniels, Mac Maharaj, Harry Gwala and …
Why is Robben Island dreaded?
The island was first used as a political prison in the mid-1600s; Dutch settlers sent slaves, convicts and indigenous Khoikhoi people who refused to bend to colonial rule. In 1846 the island was turned into a leper colony. From 1961 to 1991, a maximum-security prison here held enemies of apartheid.
Does Robben Island still have prisoners?
Most inmates, including Nelson Mandela, were black men incarcerated for political offenses. The last of these prisoners were released in 1991. The island continued to serve as a medium-security prison for criminal offenders until 1996.
Are there still prisoners in Robben Island?
How many prisoners are in Robben Island?
Seven miles off Cape Town, in the heart of Table Bay, lies Robben Island, the Alcatraz of South Africa, home of some 1,500 long-term prisoners.
Has any prisoner escaped from Robben Island?
Stuurman also has the distinction of being the only person to have twice escaped from Robben Island – later known as one of the places where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated – off the coast of Cape Town. In 1809 he was among the first political prisoners to be banished there.