In April 1966, I was declared fit and discharged from the prison hospital. I had put on a bit of weight and was much stronger. Before the official release, however, I was sent back to Cape Town for X-rays to confirm that I had indeed fully recovered.

I had become accustomed to living a somewhat protected life in the hospital haven. During the short trip to Cape Town, however, I was reminded that I was still a prisoner as I was once again handcuffed and escorted by two warders. When we arrived at the docks, two coloured warders were waiting for us and so, now with an escort of four warders, I was whisked into a car and driven to the Westlake Chest Hospital. That was one long drive, but it gave me the opportunity to see Cape Town’s unique beauty. The day was clear and sunny as we drove around the majestic Table Mountain, past the splendorous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in full flower. As a township boy, I really didn't have much appreciation of the finer things in life – forget horticulture. Now, as we zipped past flowers, especially roses, manicured lawns, tendered gardens, I was awestruck. Next, there I was driving through the magnificent mansions of large estates in Constantia. Randfontein wasn't anything like Cape Town.

I photographed that day in my mind: the bright sunshine, the colours and intoxicating scents of those exquisitely arranged roses and the brief feeling of being free to enjoy such beauty.

Those flowers made such an imprint on me that, to this day, it is still with me. After I left prison, I nurtured my love for roses. There is a small rose garden in our home, inspired by Kirstenbosch.

As you can imagine, of course I was looking forward to, once again, hearing the sounds of female voices; and more than hoped for a gentle touch. And, as we drove past, I did see quite a number of women walking on the pavements. This only whet my appetite, highlighting the severe impact of isolation from society. Later on, I listened with keen ears to sounds of women, music from a radio, and people just having conversations about everyday life: how they were late for work, how the child was getting married, etc.