The Steve Biko legacy and the Zimbabwean crisis

12 September is a special day for all people across the world who believe in Black Consciousness and the concept of Ubuntu. This is the day when Africa lost one of its gallant sons of the soil, Steve Biko, who died in 1977 in a South African prison from ‘brain damage’. The truth of the matter is that his death emanated from continuous torture exerted on him by the South African apartheid government. As a young black African woman living in a society where freedom of expression and association is violated by the government of the day, Steve Biko has become my source of inspiration as a young man in his 30s, who was willing to sacrifice his own life for the freedom of the black people of South Africa.

When it comes to Steve Biko’s legacy within the Zimbabwean crisis, I personally believe that civil society in Zimbabwe should always mark this day, the 12th of September, as an important date in the history of Southern Africa. Young people should take up the challenge to emulate Steve Biko and his beliefs, for they can learn a lot from what he stood for, that is equality, freedom, respect for human life, and being proud to be a black person. Civil society and academics should organize public seminars and workshops on the life and history of Steve Biko on such occasions, so that people will not forget his dream and vision for a better Africa.

Next year will be the 30th anniversary of his death and I do hope that progressive movements in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the region as a whole will meet, reflect, share experiences, and take stock of what has been taking place in the region since Steve Biko’s death. Steve Biko made me realize the importance of being black and being proud to be a black African woman. Such ideals should be advocated for in our society, especially where the local and international media makes people believe that having a slim modeled body and straightened hair makes a person beautiful. This has led to many young people becoming disorientated and disrespecting the African way of life and its beauty. I do believe that the beauty of any person comes from within and not outside .I guess that’s what defines a human being at the end of the day!!

Viva Steve Biko, Viva!!
Amandla, people of Africa, amandla!!