By Nikita Sukhdeve, David von Brück, and Isadora Mendes

During our stay at Future Africa as part of the Transcultural Caravan Research trip, we visited Constitutional Hill. This historic complex, home to both the Constitutional Court and an old prison, stands as a poignant reminder of South Africa’s painful past under apartheid.

The old prison complex reveals the depth of suffering endured by non-white individuals. Their torment often began the moment they entered, arrested for minor offenses due to oppressive laws like the pass laws. These laws criminalized everyday activities, such as shopping in cities where lower prices were available. There, Mandela was held on 2 different occasions, in 1956 and 1962.

The Prison Entrance

To the outside world, the true horror of what transpired within these prison walls remained hidden. However, for those imprisoned—particularly non-white individuals—the reality was stark. Our guide shared chilling accounts of how segregation and discrimination infiltrated every aspect of prison life. From the bedding to the food served, even the uniforms were segregated based on the color of one’s skin. Astonishingly, white prisoners constituted just 15% of the inmate population, yet they were treated vastly differently.

The Women’s Jail: Stories of Strength Amid Suffering

The women’s jail moved us deeply. The plight of non-white women was especially heart-wrenching. They were arrested even during pregnancy, and in some cases, their children were imprisoned alongside them. This form of humiliation was designed to strip mothers of their dignity. Tragically, children born and raised in this environment endured traumatic childhoods, knowing only the harshness of authority figures—a trauma that impacted them for life.

Poor hygiene and overcrowding exacerbated the suffering of the inmates, yet these hidden atrocities remained largely unknown to the outside world.

Despite the darkness, the women’s cell was filled with inspiring stories. Even in the face of unimaginable adversity, these women found strength in one another, supporting each other through long, harrowing days.

An actual old prisoner sharing some of her stories with us

Number 4: The Men’s Prison and Its Horrors

The men’s prison, known as Number 4, held even more horrifying stories. Hierarchies and divisions within the prison determined where individuals could sleep, perpetuating the racial discrimination that was rampant during the apartheid era. The suffering of non-white Africans was not confined to the prison walls; it extended into every aspect of life outside as well. Isolation cells were the most extreme punishment.

Men’s isolation cells

Despite the prison’s dark history, it is also a place of resilience and hope. Many great men and women were imprisoned here in attempts to break their spirits, yet they remained unbroken. Among them was Nelson Mandela, who was kept in isolation in the hospital cell to prevent him from influencing others. Constitutional Hill symbolizes not only the horrors of apartheid but also the tenacity and resilience of those who fought for justice and equality.

Nelson Mandela’s cell in the hospital

The Constitutional Court: A Beacon of Justice

Our visit also took us to the Constitutional Court, located on the same premises. This court symbolizes justice being served in a place once marked by injustice. It operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and occasionally on Saturdays, standing as a reminder of how far South Africa has come after years of struggle.

The door to the Constitutional Court – South Africa’s constitution rights

The entrance to the court proudly displays the words “Freedom, dignity, equality, and respect” in South Africa’s official languages. The court’s logo, a tree, represents protection—protection devoid of bias, race, or color.

Constitutional Hill is a powerful testament to both the suffering endured under apartheid and the resilience of those who fought for a better future. It reminds us of the importance of justice, equality, and the enduring human spirit.