istock
f a l l 2 0 1 5 | w e s t w o r l d 27
In Cape Town, the late Nelson Mandela's presence is part of the
cityscape: in life-size beaded statues; in sentiments about this
beloved freedom fighter; and most certainly on robben Island.
once used to contain lepers and detain prisoners, Mandela
served 18 of his 27-year sentence here. stepping off a 30-minute
ferry ride from Cape town, the mood could be described as stunned
silence as we take in the oppression executed in this desolate place.
the tour is led by Jama, who spent five years here for his role in
the 1976 soweto Uprising led by high school students. He shows us
the garden where Mandela hid his manuscript. He tells us about the
different cell groups and how many letters and visits they were
allowed. Mandela's cell is a main draw, and I too crowd in for a look
at the tiny space. It's one of many poignant moments on this must-
see tour. –K.S.
History Up Close
Entrance to the high-
security prison on
Robben Island.
