Name unknown

Today we went to Robben Island.

Please don't hold me to these facts as I am blipping two weeks later. Think of it as Wikipedia, semi correct!

So our tour guide (pictured) was an ex prisoner. He was part of the military wing of the ANC and was tortured for information and later sentenced to seven years for treason from 1983 to 1990. He started his sentence just a year after Nelson Mandela was moved to another prison in Paarl.

The prisoners were graded A to D. You got a lot more privileges in A including the chance to study. He eventually made it to grade A just as the prison rules changed giving all prisoners A grade rights.

Nelson Mandela spent 18 years (1964-1982) at Robben Island prison, in a tiny cell. When lying flat he could reach both sides. His cell is the only cell still with furniture. I only assume this is because it is the only cell tourists are interested in.

The tour guide now lives on the sparse island along with family and with other museum workers, both black and white, with no prejudices. A very strong, brave man I am very pleased to have met.

A lovely dinner of seafood and springbok at the V&A waterfront reflecting on today's trip.

"46664 was my prison number. For the eighteen years that I was imprisoned on Robben Island I was supposed to be reduced to that number. Millions of people infected with HIV/AIDS are in danger of being reduced to mere numbers unless we act"

Nelson Mandela 2003.