Between 1965 and 1991, Robben Island became one of the world’s most extraordinary classrooms. Political prisoners established a clandestine university where books circulated, knowledge was exchanged, ideas were debated and leaders were formed.

The University of Robben Island honours this remarkable legacy by developing innovative models of public heritage education for the twenty-first century.

Guided by our motto, Spiritus Humanus Triumphans, URI celebrates the enduring power of knowledge, resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.