ATHI Mongezeleli Joja's opinion article provided arguments in support of Steve Biko as a violent leader and explanations on how the dominant political discourse seeks to portray Biko as bolstering what he refers to as the white supremacist haven of post-1994 South Africa ("The quiet violence of Steve Biko", Sunday World, September 14).

By this, one can assume that he refers to the dominant role of white males in the economy and the poverty that is prevalent in the black population.

We all speak from a position and my personal position is that of a black academic who believes in an equal opportunity society.

I agree with Joja that there are many distortions of what Biko lived and died for.

But I find it disingenuous for Joja to argue that Biko was essentially a violent man.

In our endeavours to work for a better South African society, we need to draw inspiration from the legacy of Biko. To understand his legacy, we need to position him in the proper historical context of his times.

We also need to sincerely reflect not only on what Biko fought against, but also what he fought for and what means he proposed to advance the cause of democracy and economic justice.

The question we should ask is: How do we advance economic justice to avoid the repeat of the Marikana killings and to free the people of South Africa from the shackles of poverty? How do we ensure that children and women enjoy the fruits of our new democracy?

Incorrectly reclaiming Biko as a violent man does not help to bring about an open opportunity society providing for every South African child.

• Tutu Faleni, DA MPL, North West