Former Robben Island political prisoner Marten Kapewasha has returned to the prison decades after his release.

Kapewasha formed part of the delegation that witnessed the exhumation of Namibian political prisoners Simon Niilenge and Festus Nehale.

He was arrested in 1973 for his involvement in SWAPO Youth League activities and spent eight years on Robben Island. 

He was among 10 members arrested after a Youth League rally in Katutura and later sentenced under the Sabotage Act.

He recalls the strict prison routine, including early morning roll calls and forced labour.

Despite the conditions, Kapewasha held on to the hope that he would one day be free and that Namibia would also gain its freedom.

His return to Robben Island brought back memories of his years in captivity. But after walking through the same corridors where he was once imprisoned, Kapewasha says he has made peace with the past.