9/2/069/0166

SIGNIFICANCE_x000D_
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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is one of South Africa's greatest leaders, an international symbol of peace, democracy and the power of the human spirit._x000D_
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It was at Drakenstein Correctional Services, formally known as Victor Verster Prison that the government engaged with the 'opposition' after nearly 40 years of apartheid. The site forms part of other recognised symbols of the history of "The Freedom Struggle" in South Africa and directly relates to Robben Island, a World Heritage Site, where Nelson Mandela was initially incarcerated. Drakenstein Correctional Services (Victor Vester Prison), seen as an isolated yet more 'comfortable place of imprisonment', was used as the vehicle to facilitate negotiations between the Apartheid government and the liberation movement. In this controlled environment, the freedom of South African society was facilitated, leading to negotiations around the Freedom Charter and a future democratic South Africa, which ultimately formed the basis of our current constitution._x000D_
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This democratic constitution, based on the humanitarian tenets of dignity, equality and freedom, is a manifestation of a just triumph over the adversities suffered during the liberation struggle. 'Madiba House', Drakenstein Correctional Services (Victor Verster Prison) is presented as the geographic place in South Africa that facilitated this monumental moment in history._x000D_
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It was here that interactions with Nelson Mandela (the ANC and the then South African government) initiated. The former 'liberation' movements were recognised by the then South African government as a force to be reckoned with and the foundations for a free South Afica were laid. Victor Verster Prison was elementary to the peaceful transition from white minority rule to an inclusive democracy.