• 216 Main Street
  • Paarl, Western Cape
  • 7646
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • +27(0)21 807 4528
PUBLIC PROFILE

UNSEEN FOOTAGE OF MADIBA PRISON HOUSE!

Posted by Wilandre Johnson on 11 February 2021 10:25 AM CAT
Wilandre Johnson photo

On this day, 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela stepped out of prison into the hearts of South Africans. We can all recall this day and where we were, but did you know that Madiba spent his last 14 months of incarceration in Paarl?

Paarl Wine and Tourism and Drakenstein Municipality started with a Madiba Legacy project in 2018 to commemorate the late President Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday. A photo gallery of ordinary residents of Paarl and Wellington with tata Madiba was launched at the KWV Cathedral Cellar, who also celebrated their centenary in 2018 and where Mr Mandela also attended a function sometime after his release.

The legacy project continued with the Madiba Prison House.

Madiba Prison House at Drakenstein Correctional Services (formally known as Victor Verster Prison) near Paarl, where Mr Nelson Mandela spent the last 14 months of his 27-year incarceration has not been open to the public. This is one of the most important places on Madiba’s journey to freedom. The last steps of Tata Madiba’s ‘long walk to freedom’ was out of the gates of this prison where the statue of Mr Mandela stands at the front.

Manfred Jacobs, a former employee of Drakenstein Correctional services, conducts tours of Madiba Prison House, by appointment. Bookings can be made at manfredajacobs@gmail.com or

+27 (0) 84 339 0593

To show the Madiba Journey to the world and hear the story of his first steps to freedom right here in Paarl, we have created a video to provide visitors with a bit of the Madiba magic. We invite visitors to come experience this big and significant event in history!

Here is a short glimpse of what you can expect when visiting:  https://youtu.be/rY_Ljgfw4iA

There are no comments

Sign in to add your comment.

Recent Posts

Spend a summer evening at Nederburg Under The Stars - where the whole family can unwind.
Enjoy a beautifully prepared picnic basket from Chef Linda for R385 per person, complete with cheese...
read more
It's the beginning of a new month, which means a whole array of Babylonstoren workshops to choose from!
Join them during November for some exciting activities on the farm! With the option to attend...
read more
Searching for the perfect wedding venue? Here are four reasons to choose Nederburg:
1. Historic Setting - exchange vows surrounded by Cape Dutch heritage and vineyard views with 3...
read more
We’ve put together a list for you to tick off on your next visit to @spiceroutepaarl
1. A charcuterie and wine pairing, prepared on-site and served straight from @jewellspiceroute -...
read more
There’s so much to explore on the Proe Paarl menus this year - from classic comforts to plates that spark curiosity, 2025 Proe Paarl is one for the books!
We’re thinking about that plate of Nederburg’s slow-braised Karoo lamb neck, tender and rich, or...
read more
For Proe Paarl, El Picoteo at @rhebokskloofestate has put together a feast with a Spanish twist | Available from 15th August to 14th September.
Begin with your choice of expertly grilled fillet on bread, crunchy croquettes or a crisp...
read more
Perdeberg’s Proe Paarl menu is generous in choice.
Starters include grilled artichokes with garlic aioli, bitterballen with beetroot chutney, or...
read more
Winter Market at Rhebokskloof | Saturday, 16 August | 12:00 to 20:00
Rhebokskloof’s Winter Market offers the perfect mid-August outing under cover – with gourmet food,...
read more
Fairview’s much-loved Shiraz & Lamb Shanks Evening returns on 15 August, promising another sold-out night of winter warmth, fine food, and signature reds.
Held at the cosy Goatshed Restaurant, this annual event is a firm favourite for good reason – a full...
read more
This July, kids aged 6–12 can get their hands dirty in veggie growing or succulent workshops at Babylonstoren.
This July, kids aged 6–12 can get their hands dirty in veggie growing or succulent workshops at...
read more

Go to blog