Constitution Hill – Number Four Prison

There are times when one walks amongst the ghosts of past that you start understanding, with only the faintest glimmer, the road that led us to the present.

It is both a moment of deep sadness, anger and regret whilst contemplating these atrocities; and a time where we South Africans, as a nation, can use this wisdom, to understand our past and build a better future for all. 

This inspires me. 

The following images are of the Number Four prison and from the ramparts of the Old Fort at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. 

Number Four is where black prisoners where held in overcrowded, cramped and dirty conditions until 1983. 

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” – Nelson Mandela

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