Steven Biko, one of the most recognised leaders of the Black Consciousness Movement, is regarded as one of the greatest martyrs of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. He believed that black people should lead the fight against apartheid and his movement believed that political freedom would be possible only when blacks stopped feeling inferior to whites.
Biko was banned by the apartheid government in 1973 and was to die whilst in police custody in 1977, after being held for 26 days, and tortured, under the Terrorism Act.
He was born in the township of Ginsberg, just outside King William’s Town, and his place of birth is now a national monument. His grave is in the cemetery previous called the Ginsberg Cemetry and now known as the Steve Biko Garden of Rememberance. Graves of activists like Griffiths and Victoria Mxenge – both human rights lawyers – alongside victims of the Bisho Massacre, which took place when Ciskei (a former homeland of South Africa) troops opened fire on an ANC march heading towards Bisho, are also in the cemetry. The garden is open in summer only. To reach the grave, follow Cathcart St south of King William’s Town and turn left down a dirt track that is signposted to the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance.
See rare Steve Biko TV Interview.
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