STEVE BIKO: THE UNWAVERING PURSUIT OF TRUTH & GUT-WRENCHING APARTHEID TIMES
“It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die.” Bantu Stephen Biko, prominently known as Steve Biko was a struggle hero and the iconic leader of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, leaving behind a powerful legacy that continues to live on. His ability to exude resilience, resistance, and empowerment encapsulates the spirit that Africans have to this day. The 12th of September 2024 marked 47 years since the renowned political activist succumbed to injuries that he sustained while in police custody in 1977.
The Death of A Struggle Hero: An Enduring Injustice
While Steve Biko’s ideas and influence remain immortal, the journey towards getting justice for the political activist’s brutal murder has been a long and difficult process. On the 18th of August 1977, Biko was arrested at a police roadblock just outside Grahamstown under section 6 of the Terrorism Act. Just a day after his arrest, he was moved to Walmer police station in Port Elizabeth where he was interrogated for these charges (terrorism). Biko was held naked and subjected to violent treatment during his interrogation; which led to him sustaining severe brain injuries that later resulted in his death.

Two decades post a magistrate ruled no one responsible for Biko’s death, the five ex-policemen who were part of the interrogation, Harold Snyman, Gideon Nieuwoudt, Ruben Marx, Daantjie Siebert, and Johan Beneke applied for amnesty for their role in the death of Steve Biko. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), previously chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, heard testimonies from the police officers involved in Steve Biko’s death. The officers claimed Biko died as a result of a hunger strike, however post-mortem evidence revealed that he had been beaten to death. One of the ex-policemen, Nieuwoudt admitted to hitting Biko with a rubber hose, while he was being interrogated in the police office in Port Elizabeth, and he was denied amnesty by the TRC in 1999.

In 2005, Nieuwoudt died in prison due to lung cancer. Major Harold Snyman, the policeman who led the interrogation admitted to lying in the 1977 inquest to conceal the fact that police delayed seeking medical attention for the political activist, Steve Biko. With the aim to protect the police and government from embarrassment and economic repercussions, Colonel Piet Goosen orchestrated the whole cover-up.

A Journey towards Justice
George Bizos, one of South Africa’s foremost lawyers, represented the Biko family in 1977, and yet again in 1997 – challenging the ex-policemen’s statements and clearly asserting that they lied about the events surrounding Steve Biko’s death. Even 47 years since his passing, it has been incredibly difficult to bring all suspects to criminal prosecution, because of the complexities that are involved in the case, such as missing documentation, collating evidence, and finding witnesses. The Biko has been vocal in calling for accountability for the apartheid-era crimes that claimed Steve Biko’s life.
Looking at over four decades since Biko’s passing, one would think that justice would be served by now, however, that’s not the case. Despite the glaring evidence of torture and the international outcry that followed the political activist’s death, the ex-policemen who were responsible for Biko’s killing never faced significant punishment. The TRC hearings provided a platform for many apartheid victims and perpetrators to share their experiences, but it did not necessarily offer the Biko family the sense of closure or justice they were after.
TRC and the FOUNDATION for HUMAN RIGHTS: ADDRESSING APARTHEID INJUSTICES
This year (2024) marks 30 years of democracy in South Africa – the beginning of this era was the beginning of a journey of healing and reconciliation to many. Post 1994, when South Africa was established a democratic country, justice bodies such as the TRC were introduced as a restorative measure to those who bared the brunt of apartheid, however, “did it serve its purpose”, “were perpetrators held accountable”, “did families get justice/closure?” Those questions are still asked decades later. Within the timeframe of establishing the TRC, the Foundation of Human Rights was established, with the purpose to promote human rights and the values and commitments enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution. One of their programmes titled ‘Unfinished Business of the TRC’ seeks to address historical injustices in South Africa by supporting the families of the victims in reopening the inquests with hopes of finally getting justice and closure.
However, be as it may, the journey of seeking justice when so much time has passed doesn’t make anything easier. There are bound to be other challenges, such as deceased suspects/perpetrators and missing evidence. The reopening of these cases also marks the reopening of wounds. “Retraumatisation is a serious challenge, and that should always be at the center, it creates a whole new level of support”, says Law graduate and Doctoral Researcher, Mosa Leteane. The legal researcher also works for the Foundation for Human Rights and is involved in the ongoing cases that address the historical injustices of South Africa. The focus cases the foundation are working on include the Nokuthula Simelane case, Ahmed Timol, Hoosen Haffejee, Imam Haron, The Cradock Four, the Neil Aggett inquest, and several future cases as found on the Foundation for Human Rights website.
Nkosinathi Biko: Reflecting on his father’s legacy
“For me, the question of justice was not one I thought could deal with my healing requirements, it became about Biko’s meaning, the work of the foundation I represent, and taking the lessons of Biko, ensuring that they create a better society – to continue to achieve some of the things he died for.”, says Mr Nkosinathi Biko. Carrying the legacy of someone who played a pivotal role not only in South Africa, but Africa at large is not an easy task, but Nkosinathi Biko has managed to carry the torch of his father’s mission; working to preserve his father’s memory and promote the principles of Black Consciousness that defined Steve Biko’s life. The political activist’s son further emphasises that he’s never been conflicted with where he stands in carrying his father’s legacy on; that Steve Biko would’ve always been someone he would’ve looked up to regardless of the biological relationship they share.

In his role as CEO of the Steve Biko Foundation, Nkosinathi has devoted his career to community development and education initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised South Africans. “He fought for freedom and democracy – we have acquired democracy, we are yet to acquire freedom, because how could it be that we’re defined as free in a population where majority of people live in poverty.” As Mr Nkosinathi Biko expresses that there’s still work to be done to actually reach the state of freedom, he also acknowledges that there has been improvement from apartheid times to a democratic country. People are now able to occupy seats that were impossible to fill in during apartheid and also express themselves (freedom of expression). He sees his father’s legacy not just as a historical moment but as a continuing source of inspiration to confront inequality, racial discrimination, and the persistent socio-economic challenges facing South Africa today.

Steve Biko family: A Beacon of Strength
The wounds of the past are still deeply felt in the Steve Biko family and those who were victims of the gut-wrenching times of apartheid. Their journey and determination to hold those responsible for Biko’s brutal death is a reminder of the resilient spirit the political activist had in his pursuit for equality and eradicating oppression. For Nkosinathi and the Biko family, the journey towards justice is more than just a legal process. It’s about ensuring that his father’s message of Black dignity, equality, and self-worth continues to resonate in South Africa’s democratic society. He further states that the real justice for his father would also be the fulfilment of the ideals Steve Biko championed—a South Africa truly free from racial and economic oppression.