Harsh realities of life on Robben Island through Dr Surve's eyes

BOOK LAUNCH

- THOBEKA NGEMA

A PRIVATE and “sober” visit to Robben Island is detailed in a powerful chapter of Dr Iqbal Survé’s new book, A Shared Future for Humanity” Survé, the patron and founder of the Survé Family Office and chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, describes this particular trip as his most profound experience, despite having been to the island numerous times.

His reflections offer a raw, unvarnished look at the brutality faced by prisoners, one that stripped away the “romanticised” narrative often associated with the former political prison.

The book itself celebrates global connections in business, philanthropy, diplomacy, and nation-building.

Survé shared this experience at a launch event for staff from all Survé companies in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.

Although Survé had been to the island countless times with important figures, including Robben Island prisoners and celebrities (all mentioned in the book), this was the first time experiencing the island in solitude.

“It was a very sober visit going into the cells, and then I recognised that I’ve known personally 22 people who were in Robben Island,’ Survé said.