When following in the footsteps of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, it is important to learn more about the many places that played a part in his journey. As we travel in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, we realise the importance of the people and places he touched with his hope and courage. The Drakenstein Correctional Centre is one of these places, and it forms an important part of Madiba’s journey. Here is a short history lesson on how important this facility was in the life of Madiba.
The Drakenstein Correctional Centre, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, is currently an unofficial attraction linked to the life and times of Nelson Mandela. The centre is located in the Western Cape, between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.
Nelson Mandela statue at Drakenstein Correctional Centre
Historical Overview
The village of Groot Drakenstein was probably established in the late 1850s. Following the acquisition of a number of fruit farms in the valley by Cecil John Rhodes, the area began to develop as an important fruit-growing centre.
Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison) is a low-security prison between Paarl and Franschhoek, on the R301 road 5 km from the R45 Huguenot Road, in the valley of the Dwars River in the Western Cape of South Africa. The prison looks more like a boys school than a prison, with beautiful mountainous backdrops and vineyards all around.
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Mandela's Incarceration
This Groot Drakenstein Prison was formerly known as Victor Verster Prison and is a working prison and has become well known for the fact that Nelson Mandela was incarcerated here. Mandela also took his steps to freedom through these gates in 1990.
In 1982 Mandela was transferred from the maximum security prison on Robben Island, a small island in Table Bay, to Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, Cape Town. From there, Mandela was moved to the then Victor Verster Prison on 9 December 1988, where he lived in a private house inside the prison compound.
Victor Verster, a farm prison, was often used as a stepping stone for releasing lower-risk political prisoners.
Key Events in Mandela's Imprisonment:
- 1982: Transferred from Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison.
- December 9, 1988: Moved to Victor Verster Prison (now Drakenstein Correctional Centre).
- 1990: Released from Victor Verster Prison.
Here's a table summarizing Mandela's prison timeline:
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| Year | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Pollsmoor Prison | Transferred from Robben Island |
| 1988 | Victor Verster Prison | Moved to a private house inside the prison compound |
| 1990 | Victor Verster Prison | Released |
Today, the Drakenstein Correctional Centre stands not only as a functional prison but also as a significant landmark in the history of South Africa's struggle for freedom and equality.
Nelson Mandela released from Victor Verster prison 30 years ago
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