Today we were able to witness and walk down the same halls of one of the most influential figures for humanity, Nelson Mandela. Our visit to Robben Island, which was a maximum security prison for political prisoners during apartheid was something you had to do if you were going to learn about that time and what shaped Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s future. Our trip there began with a tour of the prison by an ex-prisoner. From 1983-1990 he was sentenced there to join with all of the black political leaders and members of the rising African National Congress. He talked of the mistreatment and inequality and also the functional aspects of the maximum security facility. I had a moment of realization where I thought how fortunate we were to be given this tour by an ex-prisoner because one day that will not be the case. This newly national monument to the heritage of South Africa does not dwell on the hardships or the shame, but stands to show the change that has come and to inspire the more that is needed. Seeing Nelson Mandela’s cell was extremely humbling and somewhat emotional. I regard him as an amazing, brilliant and kind leader and his words of wisdom and beliefs resonate with me on a high level, so seeing where so much of his life was spent and where he wrote his book in secret, all in this one cell for 18 years really impacted me and this trip. On the island, we were shown a rock quarry where they were to work in unsafe conditions and they used a cave to discuss their political views and actions, from the most educated to those who could not write their names. Those there gave that cave a slogan, one that says, “Each One, Teach One.” Those who were taught in their young ages in that cave were not previously allowed the right to an education, but later were able to became influential leaders in law and medicine and in many other fields after apartheid. Our guide said, “That cave is the best university in the world.” This ties into the beginning of our day, so I am going a little out of order. We began by going to Eagles Nest Primary School. There the children are so kind and loving and work extremely hard in the school. We got to walk into their classrooms where they all stood to greet us and sang us songs or showed us what they were learning. Afterwards, while some class levels were on their break, we got to play different games. We taught them red light, green light which mainly just ended in a giant game of tag but that’s okay. I had the privilege of eventually having a group of students gather around me and I just started asking questions for them to answer. They told me their favorite movies, animals, foods and what they wanted to be when they grew up. They were so loving by always wanting a hug or high five. They love to pose for pictures and laugh and their spirit is so hopeful to be doctors, politicians, teachers and lawyers in the future which really tied into the Nelson Mandela experience I had today. Without his beliefs and actions those opportunities would not be allowed for those children and it is amazing to see the future leaders now have a chance like everyone else, regardless of their skin color.
I can’t forget to talked about how our last activity before an amazing and fun family style dinner was to talk to author, Cristo Brand. He wrote a book entitled, Doing Life with Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend. His story of how he and Mr. Mandela interacted in a way that showed acts of kindness from the moment Mr. Brand arrived to Robben Island as his prison guard and later warden. They became close friends until the day Mr. Mandela died. It showed that someone known on a global level was also extremely close with many on personal levels and his kindness and respect for others radiates through the memories Cristo Brand told us. I bought a copy of his book after that he signed so that is also a really amazing memory I will get to have forever. I can’t wait to see what this trip has left in store, but today was extremely humbling and helped me process history as well as the current parallels we have in our society. I saw firsthand what South Africa was, strives to be, and witnessed such pivotal moments in the history of equality.
