Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Groot 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.
Accommodation Near Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Val d Or Estate
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Franschhoek
5.4km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsVal d'Or Estate offers bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands and Breede River Valley region in the Western Cape. Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Franschhoek mountains, a few minutes drive... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Heuwelsig Cottages & Franschhoek Camping
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Franschhoek
7.5km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsHeuwelsig Cottages & Franschhoek Camping offers both self catering accommodation and special sites specifically for motorhomes in Franschhoek. Heuwelsig Cottages is situated on a working wine farm, surrounded by lush vineyard, orchards and scenic... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Zorgvliet Wines Country Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Stellenbosch
10.8km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsZorgvliet's warm and welcoming country lodge caters for the needs of every individual with exceptional attention to detail. This lodge offers guests an opportunity to truly experience the unique personality of the Stellenbosch winelands... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Los Olivos
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Franschhoek
12.3km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsLos Olivos luxury self-catering penthouses have one of the best locations in the Franschhoek village. Everything is within walking distance. You can park in our off-street parking and you won’t need your car until the end of your stay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
22 Van Wijk Street Tourist Accommodation
Room Only / Limited SC Accommodation in Franschhoek
12.3km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands22 Van Wijk Street Tourism Accommodation provides room only accommodation in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands and Breede River region in the Western Cape. Four lovely rooms in a pre-1910 house right in the center of Franschhoek. Two Double bed rooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Le Ballon Rouge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Franschhoek
12.5km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsLe Ballon Rouge Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands and Breede River Valley region in the Western Cape. Le Ballon Rouge offers 9 stylish and individually decorated rooms and one... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Petit & Grande Plaisir
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Franschhoek
13km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsPetit & Grande Plaisir Cottages provide self catering accommodation in Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands and Breede River valley region of the Western Cape. We offer 3 self catering options: Petit Plaisir - Freestanding Self-catering cottage. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
d'Olyfboom Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Paarl
13.3km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelandsd'Olyfboom Guesthouse is situated in Paarl and welcomes travellers and tourists who would like to experience the Boland in all its splendour. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Konings Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Paarl
14.1km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands5 Konings Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Paarl, in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Stay in one of our 8 stylishly decorated, en-suite rooms catering for your comfort and enjoyment. All the rooms are equipped with air conditioning... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kierie Kwaak
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Stellenbosch
15.6km from Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape WinelandsThe Kierie Kwaak Self Catering cottages are situated 4 km outside Stellenbosch on a farm in the beautiful, rustic Jonkershoek valley, which forms part of a World Heritage area. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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