It has been 45 years since her famous husband’s death, but Nontsikelelo “Ntsiki” Biko no longer cries tears of pain on the day of his death.
September 12 was the day anti-apartheid activist and Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko died in detention.
His widow told the Dispatch that the tears of pain people used to cry over her husband had turned out to be tears of joy because of their commitment to keep his legacy alive.
Nontsikelelo was speaking to the Dispatch on Sunday when Azapo and the PAC commemorated Biko’s death by visiting his grave at the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance for the laying of a wreath and a short prayer.
The political organisations also laid wreaths at the grave of Biko’s mother, Nokuzolo Alice Biko, who died in November 1995.
September 12 brings back a lot of memories, for us as the family, which are not good. But these bad memories have turned out to be good because people recognise the day as a very important one in the history of the country
Nontsikelelo said: “September 12 brings back a lot of memories, for us as the family, which are not good.
“But these bad memories have turned out to be good because people recognise the day as a very important one in the history of the country.
“Some years ago, this day used to bring us a lot of pain, but we have managed to change those tears we used to cry into tears of joy.
“The Steve Biko Centre here in Ginsberg has really helped us to be able to gather people and have conversations that develop and help people,” Nontsikelo said.
She said they were comforted that Steve’s death had not been in vain.
“Steve did not only die for his family but for his nation.
“His name Bantu is a constant reminder that he was a people’s person.
“The people’s wellbeing was very important to Steve. He fought for people’s freedom.”
Biko’s son, Nkosinathi, commended Azapo and other political formations for commemorating his father’s death.
“Historically, the day was filled with pain because of the circumstances that led to his death,” he said.
“My father was treated like an animal. But we are comforted that he left us with enough lessons
“My father was treated like an animal. But we are comforted that he left us with enough lessons.
“He lived for only 30 years. To us as the family, the commemoration of his death is like a triumph over pain.”
He said the country today was lagging behind due to a lack of leadership.
“A lot of gains were made in 1994, but there has been a series of own goals from the leaders.
“That is why the conversations about my father’s legacy are important because that is where we draw lessons,” Nkosinathi said.
Azapo president Nelvis Qekema said: “We are commemorating Biko’s death as way of drawing strength and wisdom from his leadership skills.
“What is happening in our country today is terrible. People share water with animals from the river.”
Former Azapo leader Dr Mosibudi Mangena said the commemoration of Biko’s death brought back memories of his interaction with him.
“The memories are not only politically but personal.
“We were almost the same age. I used to come here at Ginsberg when he was still alive.
“I am glad we have never forgotten about his contribution to our country.
What is happening in our country is a disgrace of what Biko fought for
“What is happening in our country is a disgrace of what Biko fought for.”
Prof Jeanine Ntihirageza, from the US, said it was a huge honour for her to be in SA.
Ntihirageza, a linguistic, is scheduled to deliver the Steve Biko Memorial Lecture at Nelson Mandela University on Monday evening.
Speaking at Biko’s gravesite on Sunday morning, Ntihirageza said: “Biko lives in each of us.
“Hearing stories about his legacy from his people is quite overwhelming and it is truly an honour for me to be here.”
SA Federation of Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the brutal death of Biko had motivated him to enter politics.
“I was 15 at the time and that’s how I joined the struggle.
“We led some protests around schools in Sada [in Whittlesea] fighting for the rights of students.”
PAC provincial chair Sandla Goqwana said: “The revival of Azapo is very close to our hearts because the PAC and Azapo share a common ideology.
“We need unity as African people because without it we are doomed.”
The graveside visit was followed by a commemoration of Biko’s death at the Steve Biko Centre.
On Monday morning, the leadership of Azapo and the PAC will remember the anti-apartheid leader by visiting the Walmer jail cell in Gqeberha where Biko was held before being taken to Pretoria Central Prison.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.