Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Groot Drakenstein Prison / Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison) where Nelson Mandela spent the last three years of his 27 year sentence, walking to freedom in February 1990. (Image adapted). © Lee Howard, LicenseGroot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Groot Drakenstein Prison, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, is a correctional facility located between Franschhoek and Paarl in the Western Cape, South Africa. The prison holds a significant place in South Africa’s history, particularly due to its connection with Nelson Mandela, the country's first black president and iconic anti-apartheid leader.
History: Built in the early 20th century, Groot Drakenstein Prison was originally named after Victor Verster, an official of the South African prison service. It was one of several prisons used to detain political prisoners during apartheid, a time when the government enforced racial segregation and suppressed opposition to the regime.
However, the prison became internationally famous in the late 1980s when Nelson Mandela was moved there. After spending 27 years in various prisons, including Robben Island and Pollsmoor Prison, Mandela was transferred to Victor Verster in 1988, where he spent the last 14 months of his imprisonment. Unlike the harsh conditions of his previous incarceration, Mandela was housed in a private cottage on the prison grounds, where he had greater freedom of movement and could prepare for his eventual release and the future political negotiations that would dismantle apartheid.
Nelson Mandela and the End of Apartheid: On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison, marking a pivotal moment in South African and world history. His release symbolized the beginning of the end of apartheid and the start of the country’s transition to democracy. Mandela’s famous walk to freedom from the gates of Victor Verster became a global event, with media outlets from around the world capturing the historic moment.
Mandela’s time at Groot Drakenstein was critical in shaping the negotiations that would lead to the first democratic elections in 1994. His transition from prisoner to peacemaker and eventual president began at this very location.
Post-Apartheid: Today, the prison is still operational and is now called Drakenstein Correctional Centre, although a statue of Nelson Mandela was erected outside the gates to commemorate his legacy. The statue depicts Mandela with his fist raised in triumph, mirroring the scene of his actual release. Visitors often stop to take photos with the statue and reflect on South Africa’s journey from oppression to freedom.
Location and contact details for the Groot Drakenstein Prison:
Address: R301, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Contact Number: +27 (0)21 874 1111
Groot Drakenstein Prison is a site of deep historical significance, and it serves as a reminder of South Africa’s painful past as well as its hopeful future, symbolized by Nelson Mandela's indomitable spirit.
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