Robben Island Prisoner

Patrick Matanjana talks of Nelson Mandela and the inspiration he gave to fellow prisoners. At the age of 18 Matanjana was imprisoned on Robben Island. He spent 20 years in the cell next to Mandela. Interviewed by Ilona Kauremszky.
video: Stephen Smith
www.mycompass.ca
Former Prisoners of Robben Island:
Autshumato, one of the first freedom fighters against colonialism
* Dennis Brutus, former activist and poet
* Patrick Chamusso, former activist of the African National Congress
* Laloo Chiba, former accused at Little Rivonia Trial
* Eddie Daniels, author and activist
* Jerry Ekandjo, Namibian politician
* Nceba Faku, former Metro Mayor of Port Elizabeth
* Petrus Iilonga, Namibian trade unionist, freedom fighter and politician
* Ahmed Kathrada, former Rivonia Trialist and long-serving prisoner
* Billy Nair, former Rivonia Trialist and ANC/SACP leader
* Langalibalele, one of the first freedom fighters against colonialism
* Mosiuoa Lekota, imprisoned in 1974, President and Leader of the Congress of the People
* Mac Maharaj, former accused at Little Rivonia Trial
* Nelson Mandela, African National Congress leader and former President of South Africa
* Chief Maqoma, former chief who died on the island in 1873
* Makana, one of the first freedom fighters against colonialism
* Michael Matsobane, leader of Young African Religious Movement. Sentenced at Bethal in 1979; released by PW Botha in 1987.
* Jeff Masemola, the first prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment in the apartheid era
* Amos Masondo, current Mayor of Johannesburg
* Govan Mbeki, father of former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki. Govan was sentenced to life in 1963 but was released from Robben Island in 1987 by PW Botha
* Wilton Mkwayi, former accused at Little Rivonia Trial
* Murphy Morobe, Soweto Uprising student leader
* Sayed Adurohman Moturu, the Muslim Iman who was exiled on the island and died there in 1754
* Griffiths Mxenge, a South African Lawyer and member of the African National Congress
* M.D. Naidoo, a South African lawyer and member of the African National Congress
* John Nkosi Serving life but released by PW Botha in 1987
* Nongqawuse, the Xhosa prophet responsible for the Cattle Killing
* Maqana Nxele, former Xhosa prophet who drowned while trying to escape
* George Peake
* John Nyathi Pokela, co-founder and former chairman of the PAC
* Joe Seremane, current chairperson of the Democratic Alliance.
* Tokyo Sexwale, businessman and aspirant leader of the African National Congress
* Walter Sisulu, former ANC struggle hero
* Robert Sobukwe, former leader of the PAC
* Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Namibian politician
* Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa and leader of the African National Congress

[@petergreen5337]

An inspiration to us , thank you for your time.

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@HabeebMuna]

Fantastic topic and extremely well-made video. Well done!

[@mycompasstv]

Thank you Habeeb.

[@ianstalker]

A fascinating insight into a fascinating story

[@kitty66ish]

Makes you think of how lucky we are when watching this powerful clip.