Robben Island is a World Heritage site inscribed under criteria (iii) and (vi) as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity through its multi-layered history of enslavement, banishment, isolation, war and political imprisonment. From 1960 until its closure in 1996, Robben Island was an infamous maximum security prison and the ultimate symbol of the apartheid state’s repression. During this time, the prison housed most of the men that were incarcerated for their resistance against the system of apartheid.

Robben Island Museum is developing a memorial to these selfless heroes within the context of the narrative of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

RIM has embarked on a national project to document the life histories of former Robben Island political prisoners and their dependant families. In documenting the life histories, the museum collections are enhanced for future curation and exhibition that may help enhance the understanding of the significance of the heritage place.