Robben Island

"To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return." -Nelson Mandela
Robben Island prison was Nelson Mandela's home for 27 years! Tragic true story...Nelson's wife, Winnie, was allowed to visit him twice a month. These visits were closely monitored by guards as they were not allowed to touch or discuss anything about life outside of the prison. Winnie was very defiant and toward the end of each visit as the guards were busy monitoring the clock / time visit would end, Winnie would quickly update Nelson in their dialect, which most of the guards did not understand. The prison caught on to this and hired guards who understood their African dialect. On one of Winnie's visits, she informed Nelson that his only son had just received his drivers license. This was great news to Nelson because this meant that his son could help drive Winnie where she needed to go as she never had a license. Less than two weeks later, a large government truck collided into Nelson's sons car, killing him instantly. This was not an accident! The guard who reported what Winnie had told Nelson is reported to have been racked with guilt for the rest of his life! Nelson told him to forgive himself because Nelson had forgiven him and did not hold him responsible for his only sons death! Remarkable! Sadly, Winnie was never able to forgive and her extreme hatred forced Nelson to divorce her after he was released from prison!