Apartheid

Apartheid is the racial segregation enforced in several areas of South Africa. The act of implying superiority to fairer skin tones and depriving those with native African origins of fundamental human rights. The crucial issue of racism has been around for decades, thriving in discriminatory environments and demeaning people of color who were once widely accepted into society. This article will further explore the true purpose of the apartheid and how Robben Island and its political prisoners were essential to shaping South Africa into a united and culturally diverse nation as it stands today.

Apartheid started in 1948 after a majority white political party, The National Party, acquired the power of the state of South Africa. Following this decision, policies were quickly enforced promoting racial segregation and discriminating against minorities and people of colour. While this is acknowledged as the crucial moment that sparked the apartheid, previous amendments like the land act had passed in 1913 which limited Black African's ownership of land at 7% and prohibited them from renting/buying land in white designated areas. As the hostility increased, more regulations were enforced such as making interracial relationships illegal for South African Citizens and classifying locations by race where POC was denied access to areas like beaches and public toilets. Black individuals were forcefully ejected from their houses and isolated in tribal and rural landed areas. Their rights as well as their dignity were stripped away as they were treated with a severe lack of respect and their opinions were disregarded in instances like revoking their voting rights. The apartheid was a period of segregation for many, depriving individuals of their humanity and demoting their status. The National party that implemented these inhumane acts was founded in 1914 but only efficiently implemented the system of Apartheid when they got elected in 1948. When my family and I travelled to South Africa, we witnessed first-hand the devastation the Apartheid caused to the community, with many POC still living in the cramped and rural huts they were once exiled to. After decades of segregation, apartness is permanently embedded in the roots of their architecture, bringing back a time of distress and prejudice for many.

This photo was taken at the entrance to Robben island, one of the most infamous prisons known today. It played a major part in the Apartheid and was the home to many political prisoners. As of today it is officially and museum and is considered a world heritage site by the UN

"There is only one race, the human race"

-Robert Sobukwe

While many know Nelson Mandela as the former president of South Africa and the anti-apartheid activist who ultimately led Africans toward democracy while eradicating the Apartheid regime, there is one name whose influence has been so severe yet he is often forgotten; Robert Sobukwe. Sobukwe was born in 1924 and spent much of his early life pursuing an education so he could become a lawyer, teacher, and writer. He was highly literate and helped form South Africas Pan Africanist Congress or PAC for short encouraged a non-racial future in the heart of Africa. Because of these ideations and the messages of equality Sobukwe spread, he was considered more dangerous than significant leaders like Mandela. In 1957, Sobukwe landed a job at the newspaper called The Africanist, he seized this opportunity to speak out against the national party which had now integrated segregation into society and local communities. On the morning of 21 March 1960, Sobukwe led a protest at the Orlando police station with one main goal, to be arrested. This would be the last time he would experience what freedom would feel like. Due to these actions, he got a 3-year sentence which further strengthened his supporters and encouraged them to fight for him. During this same day, the Shapevill massacre occurred where a crowd of 5000 peaceful protesters was met with open fire, killing 69 and wounding hundreds of others. Sobukwes' life quickly become isolated as the general law amendment act was passed in 1963 which allow political prisoners to have prolonged jail timings. This meant that Sobukwe was now moved to Robben Island where he spent a further 6 years. During this time, while isolation was necessary, Sobukwe earned a degree in economics from the University Of London and got offered countless jobs in the US which he had too forcefully denied. He was held in confinement and house arrest even after his release and forbidden from having any relations o politics. This, unfortunately, took a turn for the worst as his mental and physical state degraded tremendously. in 1977, Sobuwe was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away shortly after. While Sobukwe did not get to live to see the impact he was leaving, his students that admired his values were leading protests and speaking out against Apartheid. He started a fundamental movement that ultimately contributed towards Africa's freedom from the Apartheid and the lack of credit he is given is unfortunate.

A picture I took of the communal rooms in Robben island. There are rows of symmetrical metal bunkbeds opposite a public bathroom, leaving little room for privacy.

‘Race has no plural’

During the 6 years of prolonged imprisonment, Sobukwe was held in isolation in a place widely known as Robben Island. Robben Island is a known detainment centre where many political prisoners were sent in the Apartheid era. Out of the total 1500 prisoners, only 500 of them have been convicted of legitimate crimes such as robbery and murder. Although pursuing an education on this island is permitted, political prisoners were treated extremely harshly with no remorse shown. While visiting Robben Island, I had the opportunity to meet a former prisoner and hear his story on what happened in Robben Island. He explained how he was arrested at the meagre age of 19 and held in isolation. I saw the rows of hostile metal bunkbeds, being deprived of comfort and cramped in a room with many others who have been deprived of their freedom was not a pleasant sight. he further elaborated on how letters would be proofread and often blacked out so much of what was written was never received. There were 4 categories, ranging A-D, and all political prisoners were immediately placed in D. They may receive only one visit and write only 2 letters a year. Furthermore, they are not entitled to remission like other categories are and they are subjected to numerous methods of torture. I was told by the ex-prisoner, that he was subjected to waterboarding, a common torture method designed to create induced drowning. Furthermore, the scars were visible on his wrist from when he was dragged with handcuffs along the building. Each room resembled somewhat of a dog pen and was designed to purposefully dehumanize people of colour. They were subjected to hours of mining daily, which not only impacted their physical strength but also many of them to perish from the effects of dust inhalation and toxins. It was only in 1991 that these horrendous acts were abolished and then in 1997 that Robben Island was turned into a museum and named a world heritage site.

This picture depicts an Ex-Prisoner from Robben Island. He was kind enough to take my group on a tour and illustrate his life imprisoned in one of the most famous prisons. While I did not get his name, his bravery and ability to come to terms which such a traumatic event inspired me greatly. I hope he lives a fulfilling and well deserved life now and while he may not remember me, I will always remember him as a fighter against racial injustice and inequality.

I am eternally grateful I got to visit South Africa, as while its natural beauty is beyond incredible, History is something that should never be repeated. To dehumanize someone because of their skin tone is utterly unacceptable and unfortunately, it still occurs in society today. To me, Robben Island was a wake-up call to be thankful to those who dedicated their lives to fighting for equality but also be equally appreciative as the world is slowly progressing. I would like to dedicate this article to the former prisoner I had the honour of meeting, while I did not get his name, the sacrifice he made speaking out against Apartheid and being subjected to years of torture for it is something only the brave-hearted can do. While he will probably never read this article, the way he came to peace with the island and the things they subjected him to show how second chances can be given and mentalities can be changed.