SA celebrates Biko month

South Africans are being urged to remember struggle hero Steve Biko. September marks Biko month - remembering his life and sacrifice to South Africa that led to him being killed by the apartheid police. 

 

Biko, a fighter against apartheid and a man who lived his convictions, was the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement and an author of note.

The life of anti-apartheid leader is being commemorated this month, marking 35 years since he was killed by apartheid police. Biko died in police custody on September 12, 1977.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Biko attended school in King William's Town and later registered to study medicine at the University of Natal. He showed interest in politics at an early age.

Biko was detained and tortured by the apartheid police in 1977.  He was transported naked in the back of a van from Port Elizabeth to Pretoria.  He later died after suffering brain damage at the age of 30. The foundation keeping his legacy alive says young people can learn a lot from Biko.

“His writings were in his early years, 30. This says to young people they can do something to change their own destiny and that of the country.”

The Biko Foundation’s director, Obenewa Amponsah says his writings were in his early years, 30. This says to young people they can do something to change their own destiny and that of the country.

 

"Biko has a particular appeal because he relates to young people, he was 30 when he died, writings from I write what i like are from his university years and it says to young people they can change the destiny of their lives and ultimately the destiny of nation."

To commemorate his life, special events will be held countrywide. A Biko annual lecture, which has already been delivered by prominent South Africa leaders such as former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, will this year be delivered by renowned African poet and novelist Professor Ben Okri.

 

A Biko multipurpose centre will be officially opened as part of the legacy project. The centre is at Ginsberg in King William's Town.