Robert Sobukwe was detained on the Island but held in solitary confinement in a house that was some distance from the MSP.
The four buildings that made up the Sobukwe complex were erected during World War 2 and used as barracks, mess facilities and a hygiene office for military personnel. In the 1960s it was used as a school for the children of coloured warders.
The hygiene office was used as Sobukwe’s house and a building designated as T158 served as his ablution and wash area.
From 1963 to 1969, Sobukwe, the leader of the Pan African Congress was isolated in a small house formerly used by black warders. He was not allowed to communicate with anyone including warders and used symbolic gestures as a means of communication, when the need arose.
From 1967, his children were allowed to visit him, but they stayed in another empty bungalow.
In 1977 the complex was converted into a hostel for the dog handlers. Aggressive dogs, kept in these kennels, were brought to the Island to patrol in the double fencing of the MSP.
