The Black Consciousness Movement Unity (BCMU) welcomes the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decision to reopen the inquest into the death of our beloved comrade, Steve Biko, on September 12, 2025. This move marks a significant step towards uncovering the truth and bringing closure to Biko’s family and the nation.
While we commend the NPA’s intention, we regret that this decision takes place more than 30 years after our liberation. The delay in seeking justice for Biko’s death has undoubtedly caused immense pain and frustration for his family and the broader community. Nonetheless, we believe that this effort, though late, is a crucial step towards healing and accountability.
We hope that the reopening of Biko’s inquest will not only shed new light on the circumstances surrounding his death but also pave the way for similar investigations into the deaths of other Black Consciousness activists who fell victim to apartheid’s brutality. The case of Mapetla Mohapi, among others, deserves equal attention and scrutiny.
As we mark this significant occasion, we would like to announce that on September 12, 2025, we will be laying a wreath at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre, formerly known as Pretoria Central Prison, where Steve Biko died 48 years ago. This act of remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Biko and countless others in the fight against oppression.
The BCMU urges the NPA to approach this investigation with the utmost seriousness and diligence, ensuring that all relevant evidence is considered and that justice is served. We also call on the relevant authorities to take concrete steps towards implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aimed to promote healing and accountability.
Message to the Nation
As we commemorate the life and legacy of Steve Biko, we reiterate our commitment to the principles of Black Consciousness, which emphasize self-reliance, collective action, and the pursuit of justice. We believe that this investigation will contribute to a deeper understanding of our history and inform our collective efforts towards building a just and equitable society.
Zolani Mabusela is a National Publicity Secretary at the Black Consciousness Movement Unity (BCMU)
