Since 1977, September has become associated with the untimely passing of icon Steve Biko, whose young and eventful life was snuffed out by those who wanted to entrench white racism.
Since 1977, September has become associated with the untimely passing of icon Steve Biko, whose young and eventful life was snuffed out by those who wanted to entrench white racism.
Thirty years on, Biko's message seems to be stronger and clearer. His spirit haunts not only those who killed him, but also those who tried to kill his ideas.
Very few people achieved in life what Biko achieved after death. His death has become a source of inspiration for true nationhood and genuine freedom.
This year brought much closer one of his pearls of genius - unity. It is heartening that his movement commemorated him with renewed vigour and oneness.
Biko said Black Consciousness was "an attitude of mind - a way of life." This means the philosophy cannot be reduced to a single political institution. Though Azapo has always promoted Biko and interpreted black consciousness with a sense of finality, it would be wrong to expect every BC adherent to be an Azapo member or to have all groups that adopt its philosophy owing allegiance to the organisation.
Azapo defended Biko's name when he and his movement were labelled CIA agents. Many people died defending his movement. We hope the time has come for his movement to be an alternative for our people.
Dan Habedi, Azapo secretary general, Johannesburg
Biko's movement must be embraced as an alternative
Since 1977, September has become associated with the untimely passing of icon Steve Biko, whose young and eventful life was snuffed out by those who wanted to entrench white racism.
Since 1977, September has become associated with the untimely passing of icon Steve Biko, whose young and eventful life was snuffed out by those who wanted to entrench white racism.
Thirty years on, Biko's message seems to be stronger and clearer. His spirit haunts not only those who killed him, but also those who tried to kill his ideas.
Very few people achieved in life what Biko achieved after death. His death has become a source of inspiration for true nationhood and genuine freedom.
This year brought much closer one of his pearls of genius - unity. It is heartening that his movement commemorated him with renewed vigour and oneness.
Biko said Black Consciousness was "an attitude of mind - a way of life." This means the philosophy cannot be reduced to a single political institution. Though Azapo has always promoted Biko and interpreted black consciousness with a sense of finality, it would be wrong to expect every BC adherent to be an Azapo member or to have all groups that adopt its philosophy owing allegiance to the organisation.
Azapo defended Biko's name when he and his movement were labelled CIA agents. Many people died defending his movement. We hope the time has come for his movement to be an alternative for our people.
Dan Habedi, Azapo secretary general, Johannesburg
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