Robben Island changed my life.  Today, I learned what it means to be willing to risk your life for your beliefs. For example, I am fiercely committed to making the world a better place, but would I die for it? Would I spend my life in prison for it?

I learned a very valuable lesson about heroes and courage and, for this reason, I will be forever changed. The histories of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and other victims of apartheid, like those in the Sharpeville Massacre, were shocking and difficult to comprehend.

The island is a 25 minute boat trip from the Cape Town waterfront and (on a clear day) you can see the city from the Island.  

We were given a private tour from an ex-political prisoner, Sideeq Levy,who has a deep understanding of Robben Island’s long history. Sideeq showed us parts of the Island that are not open to regular daily visitors, so we would be able to share some unique images and stories with you.

We started our tour near an eerie building - the old Visitor's Center. When visitors would come to see their loved ones, they would first enter the Visitor’s Center.  Even after the very long journey to the island, they would be turned away if they did not speak English or Afrikaans. In a country with 11 national languages, it is easy for one to imagine how many people never received visitors.  

We discussed many things with Sideeq, and saw how speaking about the hardships of his stay on Robben Island and the struggle for freedom and equality still makes him very emotional. He took us to the area of the Island where his prison cell was located and recounted some of the violence that he had to endure. It was heartbreaking, yet meeting Sideeq is something that I will remember forever. He was a freedom fighter and continues his work on Robben Island, as difficult as it is, so that the injustices and suffering that occured during apartheid will never happen again.

When we got to Mandela’s jail cell, I was surprised by how small it was - we had seen dog kennels in another area of the island that were larger than this great man’s cell. For a bed, Mandela had a mat on the floor; for his pillow, he had a rolled-up blanket; all in a room about half the size of a common closet. We heard stories of Mandela's courage, strength, and uncommon patience. For 18 years, prior to being moved to Pollsmoor, this tiny cell and the man held within its bars, represented the struggle and hopes of millions of South Africans.

It was a somber and contemplative boat ride back to the waterfront.

I am particularily proud of today’s video segments. Robben Island was a moving and inspiring experience for our entire team. We hope that you are inspired and moved by the stories of just two of the many people held here: Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe.

Part I: Nelson Mandela	Part II: Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe with Sideeq Levy

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