Islands are normally associated with unrestricted freedom. If inhabited, islands represent a lazy lifestyle far removed from societys rules and regulations. Robben Island though, has a history of deep sorrow, drenched in the coldness that the human heart can bestow on others dissimilar to their own kind.
The story of Robben Island started in 1652 when Jan van Riebeeck landed in Cape Town on orders from the Dutch East Indian Company to establish a post where boats could harbour on way to the East. He almost immediately started to use the Island – which is only a few kilometers from the mainland – as a place where troublemakers could be kept away from the growing community.
The first political prisoner, Autshumato, was exiled in 1658, simply because he was taking back cattle that his people believed to have been unfairly confiscated by European settlers. Prisoners were also brought from other countries. Most of them strong-willed rebels that were removed from their societies before they could stir too much trouble.
They were soon joined by ordinary criminals, the mentally ill, lepers and even prostitutes who could spread diseases. Island life...