ATAVISTIC ECHOES AT BIKO MEMORIAL

By OMOSEYE BOLAJI

It was a sombre occasion when the 33rd anniversary of the demise of Steve Biko swung into gear at the Pax Nova Hall in Bochabela, Mangaung at the weekend

Steve Biko of course was the legendary South African freedom fighter who had wisdom, sagacity and perspicacity far beyond his years in the 70s, and cruelly lost his life during detention by the powers that be during the apartheid era. He died in 1977 at the age of 31

Biko has become more than an icon these days, a man who has inspired a multitude of activists; the manner of his death brought in its wake anguish, exceeding sadness and horror. He was one of the harbingers of true freedom in the country. Now that the new South Africa is very much a reality, Biko’s legacy can never be forgotten

Hence the stalwarts, the die-hard followers of Biko were very much in their element at the Pax Nova hall, with a plethora of tributes to Steve Biko. It was eye opening to see cultural workers both young and old coming together to honour the man who died over 30 years ago.

South Africa remains a very intriguing country, and as a general writer, journalist and editor I have to mingle with a myriad of people. At one end of the scale are the likes of Raselebeli Khotseng and Mpikeleni Duma who were very much part of the struggle during apartheid, and whose personal, first hand testimony was very moving during the Biko anniversary

And then we have the likes of Hector Kunene, Jah rose and Neo Mvubu , young talented writers and poets who have to do their research on people like Steve Biko before they can do anything in his name! Indeed some of the writers are so young that they do not even know how hellish life was during apartheid in their own country!

Alas they hardly realise how privileged they are now in our conspicuous materialistic world, replete with so many material ancillaries. Though I was happy when Neo Mvubu read the book Mine Boy published many decades ago by a disadvantaged coloured south African (Peter Abrahams0. Neo was so much impressed by the book – and even reviewed it for international audience – and at last had an inkling of the horrific life eked out by blacks decades ago in her own country.

Hence the tribute to Steve Biko at Bochabela – in honour of the departed celebrated icon - went on smoothly. Speakers and cultural activists did their thing with elan - Mr Duma, guitarist Seleke, Jah rose, Hector Kunene, "Magic" Khotseng, Icebound, etc. What a way to honour a martyr!