Political Prisoners in South Africa

 You’re sixteen years old, being thrown in prison for protesting; you are fighting for your freedoms and rights; you are fighting for the right to be considered an equal person in your country. You are tortured and tormented, having guards hang you from a tree and then light a fire underneath you. You are a political prisoner. The last couple of days have been fascinating here in Cape Town. We have had the opportunity to meet political prisoners from the apartheid era. We then toured Robben Island, where we heard a tiny piece of the horrors and memories that the prison created for many political prisoners. Political prisoners were kept separately from other prisoners. Visitors were allowed once or twice a year, if that. Political prisoners lived under harsh conditions, and in many cases political prisoners died in prison. Deaths in detention were all too common during the apartheid era, many prisoners died from “suicide and accidents.” Police brutality and assault were part of the daily routine. Reading poems by James Matthews helped explain the feelings and emotions one has while incarcerated. The loneliness and solitude was another form of torture. Being a political prisoner means suffering physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Of course, forms of “punishment” go outside the prison walls. James Matthews spoke of the constant surveillance of himself and his family, due to his strong will to fight against apartheid. His daughter was followed every day to school, and at age 14 his daughter was taken, tortured, and questioned. Touring Robben Island with a tour guide, who was previously incarcerated in the prison, brought our previous lesson to life. We stopped and spoke about the Lime Quarry. Here, political prisoners labored in the sun, with lots of dust, and no bathrooms. The lime was not used on the island, instead the political prisoners worked on the Lime Quarry strictly as a form of harassment. The Quarry became a place of horrible conditions, but also allowed for a form of interaction. Since political prisoners lived in solitude, the Quarry was a place where many could talk about politics. Classes were also held at this site. Literacy and other academics were taught to prisoners. This allowed for some prisoners to leave Robben Island more educated then when they entered.While sitting in a prison cell, listening to our tour guide, I start to think; how does one move on from this? What do you do after you are released? Many political prisoners were ages 13-19. They missed their childhood, their youth. These prisoners need to transition into society once again. They need to try and pick up their lives, even though so much has changed. There is also a plus side to being incarcerated. Our tour guide, as well as James Matthews, spoke of how much they value their freedom today. They gave up years of their lives in a cell for freedom and opportunities. You cannot afford to take any moment for granted. These political prisoners have to re-establish themselves. It was inspiring to hear our tour guide speak of gaining a masters degree, and how he plans to open a leadership institute in his town. These are people who are still dedicating their lives to help others.While learning of political imprisonment, we also spoke of reconciliation. Our tour guide and James Matthews spoke of their responsibility to challenge the system. Their job was to pursue equality, even if that meant defying their government. Through the apartheid system, blacks were called “Bantu.” This derogatory term originally meant people, but through the system became a term calling blacks stupid and barbaric, making them unequal to other human beings. With this hatred and lack of natural rights, it is fascinating to see how South Africa has moved on. Political prisoners work on Robben Island, talking and bringing back horrid memories every day. They see guards which may have tortured or neglected them. When asked about forgiveness, many say that revenge will not help their country. Instead the country must join together, “two wrongs never make a right.” After my experiences with political prisoners I am faced with one final question, is there something in my life that I feel so strongly about that I would fight, go to jail, and risk my life for? These political prisoners were not putting their own lives in jeopardy but those of their family and friends. They suffered through pain and stood courageously, despite struggles and hardships. I am still amazed by the strength and bravery of these political prisoners. Learning about political imprisonment left me with many questions. Is there something in my life worth fighting for? If I was a political prisoner, would I be able to forgive and move on with my life?