Contents
Steve Biko
Helping build South Africa’s Black Consciousness movement against apartheid.
South African Students’ Organisation · Black Community Programmes
- Born
- 18 December 1946
- Birthplace
- Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Died
- 12 September 1977
More people
Steve Biko
Steve Biko was a South African organiser and thinker who argued that liberation also required overcoming the psychological effects of racism. He died in police custody in 1977 after suffering severe injuries.
Early life
Eastern Cape childhood
Grew up in a family affected by the restrictions and inequalities of apartheid.
Medical studies
Studied medicine at the University of Natal, where student politics became central to his life.
Career
- 1968
Student organising
Helped establish the South African Students’ Organisation.
- 1972
Broader movement
Helped form the Black People’s Convention.
- 1973
Banning order
The government restricted his movement and public activity.
- 1977
Death in custody
Died in Pretoria after detention by security police.
Contributions
South African Students’ Organisation
A platform for independent Black student leadership.
Black Community Programmes
Supported practical projects in health, education and community development.
I Write What I Like
A posthumous collection of his essays and political arguments.
Beyond work
Music
Enjoyed a substantial record collection and social gatherings with friends.
Family
Had children with Ntsiki Mashalaba, whom he married in 1970, and other partners.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗South African History Online ↗Photo: Cape Argus. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
