By Richard Glover
The daughter of an ex-Robben Island prisoner made the long swim to freedom this weekend as a tribute to her parents and their struggle.
Diane Wilcox, daughter of former Robben Island prisoner Robert Wilcox, braved the icy 7,4km swim from Table Bay to Robben Island on Saturday, completing it in two hours and 47 minutes.
The conditions for the swim were good, with the water temperature ranging between 14 and 17°C.
She was welcomed on Blouberg beach by her jubilant family, including her six-month-old son, Aidan. Also there to welcome her was Lydia Goldswain, the disabled swimmer who completed a double-crossing to Robben Island in 2005.
"Robben Island has always been part of my life. It was a great feeling to drive into town and look over Table Bay knowing I had finally done it," said Diane, who was only three months old when her father was arrested in 1971.
Robert Wilcox was arrested with 12 others on charges of terrorism and detained on Robben Island until 1978.
Children were not permitted to visit their parents on Robben Island, putting great strain on families of the detainees.
Diane added: "This was also a tribute to my mom for steering us safely through the separation."
The swim was organised with the support of the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association, with Peter Bales officiating.