Cape Town - Showing visitors around Robben Island is nothing new for former political prisoner, Ahmed Kathrada. However, Tuesday was a bit more special as he led the Cuban Five on a tour of the former penal colony where he and many others spent most of their lives.
After receiving a special welcome on Sunday, the five – Gerardo Hernandez, Ramón Labañino, Fernando González, Antonio Guerrero and René González – spent most of the day on Robben Island.
The five were arrested in Miami in 1998 and spent more than 15 years languishing in US jails.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit espionage, conspiracy and conspiracy to act as non-registered foreign agents for their roles in the liberation struggle against apartheid.
They are in the country as part of a two-week visit to show appreciation to the South African government for assisting with their release.
Hernandez, who signed the visitors’ book on behalf of the group, said the Robben Island trip was a highlight of their visit.
“When I was first in prison I came across a magazine that had a picture of Mandela in it and I cut it out and put it up on my wall and it served as my inspiration during my imprisonment.”
He added that Robben Island bore many similarities to the prisons he spent time in.
González commented on the racial segregation at Robben Island.
“We had similar limitations, but the conditions here were much worse – not only psychologically but because of the racial differences. There must have been much hate because of the colour of their skin.”
He added that while they also may have indirectly experienced racism, “the system was not designed” to encourage it.
Labañino said seeing the prison and hearing the stories from Kathrada and Ebrahim Ebrahim – who spent 15 years on the island – was shocking.
“It’s terrible, especially in that cell (Mandela’s cell). It is totally depressing. It just shows the importance of freedom. Being in his cell is like meeting Mandela in person.”
While González was released in February last year, the rest of the Cuban Five were released in December.
Their release was part of a prisoner exchange between Cuba and the US as part of attempts to restore diplomatic ties.
Kathrada, who served as a guide for the group and around 300 guests, said the visit was a very special one. “Cuba was a great ally in our struggle.”
Cape Argus