Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, most of them on Robben Island, for his opposition to apartheid in South Africa. It is hard to imagine having those years stolen from one's life. Incredibly Mandela did not allow himself to be consumed by bitterness and revenge, rather led the effort towards reconciliation and negotiation in the transition of South Africa to a multi-racial democracy.
View from Robben Island of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Desolation of the island
Courtyard outside Mandela's cell with workers chipping rock quota required each day or the loss of meals and privileges. The attempt was to dehumanize many who served in responsible positions in society and whose only crime was to oppose the evil of apartheid.
Mandela's 6 1/2 foot square cell--the attempt to keep him apart from other prisoners in the off times of hard labor.
Mandela in the 1970s at Robben Island
Menu at the prison by race. Class A was for whites and not listed.
Mandela
Meredith, I'm sorry I missed you this morning. I hope you enjoyed your visit.
Out family saw Invictus (another Clint Eastwood movie) for our Christmas Eve movie this year. I wasn't aware of Mandela's commitment to reconciliation and forgiveness. The movie makes that very clear. I found the movie hopeful and a great celebration of the fruits of forgiveness. I've always appreciated ALARMS work in Africa and am glad that my church, my family & I have been personally involved in their work.
I thought the movie was a great follow-on to Gran Torino for Clint.
Safe travels.
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