ROBYN ISLAND
Boat Ride to Robyn Island. Most well known for the island of where the prison that held Nelson Mandela for 13 years of his prison sentence. The History of the island is fascinating.
Look it up on Wikipedia- the island has so much more history all the way back to 1600s.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robben_Island
Look it up on Wikipedia- the island has so much more history all the way back to 1600s.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robben_Island
We got to tour the prison and 1 of the old inmates gave the tour and history which was really neat to hear first hand. The prison held the Black, color, and Indian political prisoners NOT the women and white they were held at other prisons.
Then there was a bus tour around the 8 mile island. The island houses 290 buildings and only employees or past prisoners can live on island.
A few notes I took during the bus tour
1650 the island started being as prison by other countries. Also was used to isolate Chronically and medically ill. Also people with epilepsy, leporasy,
homeless, chronically ill you were dumped here at this island.
1650 the island started being as prison by other countries. Also was used to isolate Chronically and medically ill. Also people with epilepsy, leporasy,
homeless, chronically ill you were dumped here at this island.
Sabukwe- after he served 3 years
For incitement. He was suppose to be free but he was sent to the island. He Spent 6 years alone no one to talk to. Was allowed daily visit and 1969 released. Banished to kimberli after and kyept Under house arrest and his family moved there to be with him. Book how can man die better tells this story.
For incitement. He was suppose to be free but he was sent to the island. He Spent 6 years alone no one to talk to. Was allowed daily visit and 1969 released. Banished to kimberli after and kyept Under house arrest and his family moved there to be with him. Book how can man die better tells this story.
Dog kennels- 1977 To use as security. Over 50 dogs. Each had own kennel bigger than prison room
The Corey
13.5 years leaders from prison worked here as punishment but didn't expect them to meet and use it to their advantage meeting in cave then going back to communicate with other inmates. President Mandalla worked here. 30 leaders worked here. 8AM till 4PM. Shoot to kill order (no one ever shot) The cave- 1st Delegate parliament. It smelled bad as used as toilet so used it to discuss so much in cave and some of what was discussed in the break cave made it into constitution.
13.5 years leaders from prison worked here as punishment but didn't expect them to meet and use it to their advantage meeting in cave then going back to communicate with other inmates. President Mandalla worked here. 30 leaders worked here. 8AM till 4PM. Shoot to kill order (no one ever shot) The cave- 1st Delegate parliament. It smelled bad as used as toilet so used it to discuss so much in cave and some of what was discussed in the break cave made it into constitution.
So many interesting facts and history!
WALKING TOUR
Walking Guided tour- Apartheid to Freedom Tour.
Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and I learned so much. I took a few notes to help me remember a few things but so much more information shared.
Stop 1- Court House- this is where classifications took place. Back then
Only 8% of people allowed to vote.
Apartheid system became law in 1948
The 1st law under this system occurred in 1950 and it was called identification Law. The Identification classification happened based on physical characteristics and people were divided into group based on them. There were 4 main groups- ranking your rights. White, mix race, Indian (anyone from east) people, and African people. African least rights and white's had the most rights. As baby would be written what thought you would be. Then at 16 physical test done. Skin tone color, facial and body characteristics, hair pencil test. Very primitive tests.
Only 8% of people allowed to vote.
Apartheid system became law in 1948
The 1st law under this system occurred in 1950 and it was called identification Law. The Identification classification happened based on physical characteristics and people were divided into group based on them. There were 4 main groups- ranking your rights. White, mix race, Indian (anyone from east) people, and African people. African least rights and white's had the most rights. As baby would be written what thought you would be. Then at 16 physical test done. Skin tone color, facial and body characteristics, hair pencil test. Very primitive tests.
2nd law 1966- was the group areas act- which identified where each group was allowed to live and spend time. Big cities became white only area (owning and renting you had to be white). Non white only allowed in city during daytime for work or permission. Curfews put in place. Forced removal took place. District 6 is sad story of many people losing their homes. Different groups placed in different areas. Black African outer ring, Cape flats middle ring, and in city center whites.
Everything at that time was controlled- military stayed. Controlled through media. How they saw the government. How they viewed themselves was very limited by government and media. The government Controlled the people by fear, starvation, etc.
1962- protest Mandalla arrested for 28 years.
1970,s- so many sanctions put in place. People kept asking more and more questions why won't other counties trade with us. Why can't we leave... people started standing up demanding equal rights. One of only countries willing to trade with them was Japanese. So they made an amendment and Created a whole new subcategory for Japanese people (honorary white) so could trade with Japan.
1980's- transition decade. People not living by laws anymore. Late 80s integrated schools, could date/marry outside country
1990- when finally Apartheid ended and transitioned into democratic.
1994- when South Africa had first democratic election. Nelson Mandall led this.
24 years out- and only 6 elections in so far that people have had a choice. Average age is South Africa 25. Post Apartheid kids will help change South Africa. There is hope in the future.
Second Stop- St. George's Cathedral- 1901 Desmond tootoo made famous. 1st arch bishop. Willing to stand ground and fight off Apartheid system. He spoke his mind and people tended to listen. He is natural leader. 1966- declared white only area but all people could come into town for church. Always had freedom of religion. This specific church supported fighting against Apartheid system and became hub for this. This became Meeting place for marches and ralley's. Police couldn't take people out of church and start arresting. Allowed protesters to meet on these stairs.
Sep 13-1989- saw 1 of biggest protest. 30,000 gathered to protest. Using purple spray and someone took over hose and turned on police.
Sep 13-1989- saw 1 of biggest protest. 30,000 gathered to protest. Using purple spray and someone took over hose and turned on police.
How did Desman Tootoo get away as a leader against Apartheid???? because he was a religious figure.
Third Stop- Archway October 2017. Gift given Desman Tootoo. The arch for the arch. Arch to the archbishop. Done by norwegen architect. 40 beams each relate to 1 thing of constitution and it connects and shows growth.
Fourth Stop- Capetown Houses of Parliament.
Henrick- rose to fame run up 1948 election. National government. First brain behind operation. 10 years into Apartheid he became leader and in power. And he started abusing it. Changing laws. He quickly Became most hated man in country. 2 assassination attempts on life. 1966 shortly after group act he was stabbed to death in the building. The guy who assasinated him became a hero.
Henrick- rose to fame run up 1948 election. National government. First brain behind operation. 10 years into Apartheid he became leader and in power. And he started abusing it. Changing laws. He quickly Became most hated man in country. 2 assassination attempts on life. 1966 shortly after group act he was stabbed to death in the building. The guy who assasinated him became a hero.
Fifth Stoo- Magistrate court.
Divided 1867- municipal ammendment. Divided into 6 districts. District 6 is worst. 1st people moved in 1700. Freed slaves . 1834- once slaved freed lots of people came here. Everyone was welcomed and accepted and most mix raced area and families. Majority of people are mixed raced. Area offered freedom city center did not. At 1x called city soul. District 6 targeted Apartheid zone and made all white. In size biggest part that connects directly to city center. 60,000 people forcedly removed and all houses removed and destroys except churches and mosques. They changed shape and name of streets. Post 1994- you could you apply for land back if you were homeowner before the time and had proofs Some last remaining land available is district 6.
Film- from the dust
Divided 1867- municipal ammendment. Divided into 6 districts. District 6 is worst. 1st people moved in 1700. Freed slaves . 1834- once slaved freed lots of people came here. Everyone was welcomed and accepted and most mix raced area and families. Majority of people are mixed raced. Area offered freedom city center did not. At 1x called city soul. District 6 targeted Apartheid zone and made all white. In size biggest part that connects directly to city center. 60,000 people forcedly removed and all houses removed and destroys except churches and mosques. They changed shape and name of streets. Post 1994- you could you apply for land back if you were homeowner before the time and had proofs Some last remaining land available is district 6.
Film- from the dust
Final Stop was place where Nelson Mandela's first speech as a free man 1990- more than 250000 ppl present. This was the speech bringing hope for future . Speech suppose to start 12 but started after 4Pm. 11 February. Energy level very low and to many people here. As soon as people saw him screaming, dancing, so much excitement. When started speaking everyone went dead silent. Only way to move forward is through peace. People were yelling wanting violence... he responded he has forgiven each and every South African involved in his 28 year improsonment. He Focus on forgiveness and future and stop holding onto grudges. The way he led by example and led with compassion. He didn't believe people born hating people based on skin color. Apartheid system brought it abaout, why can't people learn to love again. Nelson Mandela every strived to be like him. February 11 marks the Day people got there freedom back!
TABLE MOUNTAIN
Wow! the views from the mountain were incredible. We had so much fun riding the cable car (well some of us did ;-P ). Then we really had fun exploring the top of the mountain and do some climbing and maybe some would say being reckless...lol.
WATERFRONT
Are very last day before heading to the airport to head back to Haiti on evening flight Ashley and I decided to go spend some time at the Waterfront. We did the Farris wheel to see the beautiful views and then had a nice lunch overlooking the ocean and enjoyed walking around. We originally planned to do the hop on and hop off bus and try to go see the penguins and some of the other sites that we wanted to see but we were to tired and new we had 4 days of travel ahead of us.
We are so thankful that we had time to do some exploring and had alot of fun doing :-)
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