Steven Biko - Biography, audio interview, music and poetry.

"We have set out on a quest for true humanity, and somewhere on the distant horizon we can see the glittering prize. Let us march forth with courage and determination, drawing strength from our common plight... In time we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest gift possible - a more human face."

- Steven Biko.


One of the greatest leaders of our time, Steven Biko was murdered in 1977 by the South African police, on the 12th of September.

September 2007, saw the 30th anniversary of his death.

"the free participation by all members of a society, catering for the full expression of the self in a freely changing society as determined by the will of the people". - Steve Biko

(Sourced Business Report, Vuyo Jack)

Last interview with Steven Biko



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Steve Biko's death

Between 1975 - 1977, Steven Biko was detained four times. He was finally murdered in interrogation. The doctors who treated him took no note of his injuries. By the time it was recommended he go to hospital, Biko was semi-conscious.

He was transported naked, in this state, in the back of a Land Rover for over 1000 km. A twelve hour nightmare. He died in Pretoria prison with brain damage.

The Biko Inquest


His death was covered up by the State. Later in 1985, a doctor did lose his license to practice medicine. This story was carried by the New York Times But the full story was still not told.

At the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in 1997, the police officers involved with his death applied for amnesty.

"The Commission finds that the death in detention of Mr Stephen Bantu Biko on 12 September 1977 was a gross human rights violation. Magistrate Marthinus Prins found that the members of the SAP were not implicated in his death. The magistrate's finding contributed to the creation of a culture of impunity in the SAP. Despite the inquest finding no person responsible for his death, the Commission finds that, in view of the fact that Biko died in the custody of law enforcement officials, the probabilities are that he died as a result of injuries sustained during his detention." (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa report, March 1999, Macmillan.)

Born in 1946, Steven Biko was murdered in detention on the 12 September 1977. A year after the June 1976 Soweto uprising where over 700 children died.

As a medical student, Biko founded the South African Students' Organization (SASO) which played a key role in the anti-apartheid struggle. He was also the founder of the Black People's Convention. After he was expelled from his university for his involvement in the fight for freedom and black consciousness, he started to work for the Black Community program.

In 1973, Steven Biko was 'banned' by the South African National party government. He was forced to remain in his hometown in the Eastern Cape.

He went on to be involved in many other organizations and activities becoming one of the greatest leaders of our time.

If you are interested to know more about Biko, I recommend you read his book 'I Write What I like.' There is nothing better than the source.

The more important question of our time is - are each of us living up to our best leadership potential? Can we use the legacy Biko left us, to build our countries?

Click here for quotes by Biko



Writings, poetry and music


• ”Discipline is a not a punishment; discipline is an achievement.” by Mabusha Masekela


• Biko 70's a poem by Napo Masheane


• Colours a poem by Lebo Mashile



Many people have sung about Biko over the years. Go to our entertainment center for music videos on You Tube