Groot Drakenstein Prison - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Groot Drakenstein Prison / Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison) where Nelson Mandela spent the last three years of his 27 year sentence, walking to freedom in February 1990. (Image adapted). © Lee Howard, LicenseGroot 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
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Heuwelsig Cottages & Franschhoek Camping
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Zorgvliet Wines Country Lodge
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Los Olivos
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Franschhoek
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22 Van Wijk Street Tourist Accommodation
Room Only / Limited SC Accommodation in Franschhoek
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Le Ballon Rouge
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Petit & Grande Plaisir
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d'Olyfboom Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Paarl
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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
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- Wemmershoek (3.80km)
- Simondium (6.04km)
- Boschenmeer Golf Estate (8.54km)
- Paarl (12.31km)
- Franschhoek (12.47km)
- Lemoenkloof (12.89km)
- Jonkershoek (15.15km)
- Rozendal (15.36km)
- Klapmuts (15.51km)
- Aanhou Wen (15.60km)
- Uniepark (15.66km)
- Karindal (15.91km)
- Simonswyk (16.20km)
- Dr Malan (16.36km)
- Mostertsdrift (16.37km)
- Lynx Wines - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands (3.01km)
- Solms-Delta Wine Estate - nr Franschhoek, Cape Winelands (3.40km)
- Franschhoek Oesfees - Cape Winelands (3.41km)
- Franschhoek Motor Museum - Cape Winelands (3.89km)
- Boschendal Wine Estate (5.57km)
- Eikehof Wines - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands (6.07km)
- Vrede en Lust Estate - Simondium, Cape Winelands (6.35km)
- Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures - Simondium, Cape Winelands (7.66km)
- Noble Hill Wine Estate - nr Paarl, Cape Winelands (8.17km)
- Klein Drakenstein Mountain Range - nr Paarl, Cape Winelands (8.35km)
- Paarl Golf Club - Paarl, Cape Winelands (8.79km)
- Babylonstoren Wine Estate - Simondium, Cape Winelands (9.19km)
- Paarl Mall - Paarl, Cape Winelands (9.24km)
- Laborie Lazy Days Market - Paarl, Cape Winelands (9.77km)
- KWV Brandy Cellar - Paarl, Cape Winelands (9.77km)
- Grande Provence Wine Estate - Franschhoek (10.20km)
- Die Afrikaanse Taalmonument - nr Paarl, Cape Winelands (10.82km)
- Strooidak Kerk (Church) - Paarl, Cape Winelands (11.14km)
- Paradise Stables - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands (11.35km)
- Franschhoek Wine Tram - Cape Winelands (11.48km)
- Drakenstein Lion Park - nr Klapmuts, Paarl (11.69km)
- Fairview Wine and Cheese - Paarl, Cape Winelands (11.77km)
- Hout Street Gallery - Paarl, Cape Winelands (12.00km)
- Afrikaanse Taalmuseum - Paarl, Cape Town (12.15km)
- Mont Destin Wine Farm - nr Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands (12.36km)
- The Franschhoek Motor Museum - Franschhoek, Western Cape (12.39km)
- Franschhoek Bastille Festival - Cape Winelands (12.42km)
- Franschhoek Literary Festival - Cape Winelands (12.42km)
- Huguenot Memorial Monument - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands (12.84km)
- Huguenot Memorial Museum - Franschhoek, Cape Winelands (12.86km)
