Robben Island: Reckoning with a Cruel Past & Hopeful Future

Sparks, a prisoner on Robben Island from 1983-1990, shares his story.

Sparks was only 17 years old when he was taken to Robben Island. Accused of recruiting freedom fighters for the African National Congress, he was turned over to the authorities by someone he thought he could trust.

In the late 1980s, prisoners like Sparks who fought against apartheid, endured unimaginable hardships on Robben Island. The prison regime was relentless, with inmates subjected to grueling labor, inadequate food, and minimal medical care. Psychological torment was rampant, as prisoners faced isolation, limited communication with the outside world, and constant surveillance.

For Sparks, this meant that any letters going in or out never made it to their destination. By the time he was released, he discovered his house burned to the ground and his family nowhere to be found.

Adding to the cruelty, there were reports of forced sterilizations. “We were given a popular energy drink,” Sparks recalled. “It was called, Phuzamandla, and the elders told us not to drink it because it secretly contained sterilization drugs.” Practices like this were designed to strip prisoners of their autonomy and deny them the possibility of family life, further entrenching their sense of powerlessness and hopelessness.

Journey Towards Reconciliation and Progress

There is no ignoring the incredible natural beauty of this country. But it’s also impossible to ignore the enduring impact of South Africa’s recent apartheid history. It made us uncomfortable. It made the kids ask important questions. It made us want to learn and reckon and reconcile, not only with the complex history of this country, but also with our own.

“To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” — Nelson Mandela

One of the people we met shared with pride that South Africa's constitution is often seen as the most progressive in the world. It emphasizes a deep commitment to human rights, equality, and justice. Adopted in 1996, right after the end of apartheid, this constitution covers a wide array of rights: access to housing, healthcare, food, water, and social security.

Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island.

Nelson Mandela once said, "The Constitution of South Africa speaks of both the past and the future. It embodies our hopes for a society that is truly equal and free."

Even with the lofty aspirations of the constitution, the shadows of apartheid and colonization still linger. You can see it in the city structures, the workforce roles, and the stark divisions that persist today. As a visitor, to overlook this impact would be like wandering around with your eyes closed.

It forces one to reckon with the brutal effects of colonization. Though we might not have been around for those decisions, we are where we are today because of them. There is a responsibility in that — to recognize, understand, retribute, and contribute to a better way forward.

In the United States, we aren't taught in depth about South African history, so there's much to learn and digest. Come to think of it, our history lessons don't delve that deeply into our own nation's complex colonial history and racist practices either. 

As travelers, our best efforts to read, experience, listen, and understand have only begun to uncover the complex forces that have shaped this vibrant part of the African continent. There is a compelling obligation to keep learning and doing more to truly appreciate its history and ongoing journey.

Despite the cruel past, there's a palpable sense of hope and forward-looking optimism throughout the country. Surprisingly, today, Robben Island is a place where former prisoners and guards live side by side. Like many other aging icons of living history, we won’t get to hear their first-hand stories forever. Their coexistence serves as a testament to resilience and reconciliation, showing us that even the most painful past can be a foundation for a hopeful future.

This post only scratches the surface of the stories and experiences that define this complex nation. The legacy of apartheid, the scars of colonization, and the enduring spirit of resilience and reconciliation are complex and multifaceted subjects that deserve deeper exploration.

Reflecting on our visit, it’s easy to recognize our understanding is only just beginning. It’s on us to spend our time in this region to continue learning, to engage with these histories, and to look for meaningful ways to contribute to the ongoing journey towards justice and equality.