Robben island is named for the seals - Robben is the Dutch word for seal. Not a guy named Robben. Around the turn of the century, it was used as a leper colony. Then, in the 1960s, the prison was built. It only housed men, and only black or colored men. Most of them were political prisoners. They were forced to break rocks every day, given scant rations, and slim clothing. Everything in the prison was designed to divide groups. One group got better food and more clothes. But the stories from this prison were amazing. Groups pooled and shared their resources. Those who could read taught those who could not. The current constitution was born on the island. Still, life was incredibly harsh, and many did not survive. Those who did had lifelong health problems. It was, as intended, a sobering visit.
Solitary confinement. The cells were tiny, with a pallet on the floor, a bucket and a tiny table.
Prisoners were known by their number, not their name, as a way to dehumanize people.
Today, the island is home to interpretive staff - they’ve got a lovely little town.
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