Identity area
Reference code
ZA COM NMPP 2009/57-1-1
Title
First time on Robben Island [8efmxopW4i8]
Date(s)
- 1992-12-03 (Creation)
Level of description
page
Extent and medium
1 audio clip
In-point: 27:21
Out-point: 28:28
In-point: 27:21
Out-point: 28:28
Context area
Name of creator
Name of creator
(1955-)
Biographical history
Editor and author. Collaborated with Mandela on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom (published 1994). Co-producer of the documentary Mandela, 1996. Editor of TIME magazine.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Rick Stengel
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Many people are unaware that Nelson Mandela was sent to prison on Robben Island twice. The first time was a brief period in 1963, about six months after he had been sentenced to five years in prison for leaving the country illegally and inciting a strike. Initially held at Pretoria Local Prison, Mr Mandela was sent to Robben Island in May 1963 and then, on 13 June 1963, he was inexplicably returned to Pretoria. After he had been there for about a month, his colleagues were arrested and they stood trial together for sabotage in the Rivonia Trial. Mr Mandela and seven others were sentenced to life imprisonment on 12 June 1964. He remained on Robben Island until the end of March 1982 after which he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison on the mainland. Then, after a few months in hospitals, he was sent to Victor Verster Prison in December 1988 from where he was freed on 11 February 1990.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Access by permission of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright held by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
MANDELA: It was June and it was very cold. And our clothing was a short pair of trousers and a khaki shirt and a cotton jacket. And then open-toe sandals. And our work was to crush stones. And we were outside and it was very cold, without any protection.Very cold. So cold that you felt it in your bones. And you sat there from about half-past seven right up to 12 o’clock. And at 12 o’clock they gave you lunch and then at 1 o’clock you went back to work until about 4 o’clock. That was the coldest experience I’ve ever had.