Robben Island
Robben Island is a small island in Table Bay, approximately seven kilometres off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The island is best known as the site of a maximum-security prison that operated from the seventeenth century through to 1996, holding political prisoners during the apartheid era. Among its most famous inmates was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment on the island. The prison facility became a powerful symbol of the struggle against apartheid and the resilience of those who fought for democracy in South Africa. Following the end of apartheid, Robben Island was transformed into a museum and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The island covers an area of about five square kilometres and includes the former prison buildings, a leper colony, and military installations from the Second World War. Today it operates as a living museum managed by the Robben Island Museum, which falls under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Guided tours are conducted by former political prisoners, offering visitors insight into the harsh conditions endured by inmates and the broader history of South Africa's liberation struggle. The island attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and serves as an important educational and heritage site. Ferries to Robben Island depart from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, making it accessible to both local and international tourists.
Robben Island Updates
SACP conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of Comrade Kaobitsa Abel “Bushy” Maape
19th May 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its messages of heartfelt condolences to the family of former North West Province premier, Comrade... →
Tribute to Isithalandwe/Seaparankwe Comrade Walter Sisulu
7th May 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) pays tribute and honours the revolutionary life of one of South Africa’s liberation stalwarts,... →
2.5 million plants seized as poachers drive species to extinction in the wild
15th April 2026 A briefing to the Standing Committee on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning yesterday has laid bare the staggering scale of the... →
FW de Klerk Foundation Pays Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota
5th March 2026 The FW de Klerk Foundation notes with sadness the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota and extends its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues... →
SACP statement of condolences to family of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota
4th March 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of condolences to the family of Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota, the founding member and... →
International relations committee sends condolences to the family on the passing of
4th March 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, sends his condolences to the family,... →
President Ramaphosa extends condolences on the passing of Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota
4th March 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa learnt with profound sadness of the passing of Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, former Premier of the Free State, Minister... →
Mosiuoa Lekota, who led breakaway from ANC, dies at 77
By: Reuters 4th March 2026 South African anti-apartheid activist Mosiuoa Lekota, who broke away from the African National Congress (ANC) to found a new political party, died... →
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