I am a 32-year-old man who struggled to get a job, even though I have a national diploma from Vaal University of Technology.

I am a 32-year-old man who struggled to get a job, even though I have a national diploma from Vaal University of Technology.

Every time when I felt down, I would think the gods had turned their backs on me. I felt worthless because everyone who graduated years after me found jobs without much struggle.

Most of the time I felt hopeless and helpless. Were it not because of Steve Biko's words, I don't know what would have become of me.

His words, "black man you are on your own", will always come back to me and give me strength. There is no progress without struggle for most of us.

Reading about him, and hearing about him from people who knew him, has enlightened me about myself as a human being.

I believed that I am a young, gifted and good looking black man. I have since found work even though its not what I went to varsity for.

It makes me say that if it was not for Biko's encouragement through his writings, I would have given up the fight completely.

Biko lived his life for others, the community he served through his development projects. If he didn't care he could have just walked away, concentrating on his medical career and a comfortable life.

Even his death has not stopped his caring.

His teachings about Black Consciousness are still relevant today. They reveal a very brave leader who overcame adversity.

Sammy Mokhothu, Frankfort