On the Biko brandwagon

NOMALANGA Mkhize (“Zille’s tweet confirms Biko’s point” DD, March 28) expresses surprise that Helen Zille’s coverage of Steve Biko’s death left her colonial mentality intact.

Reporting Biko's murder was a badge of legitimacy for this white madam, which disguised her true character. Biko’s legacy was manipulated for political traction.

At the bottom of the page, Mcebisi Ndletyana explains how President Jacob Zuma’s awkward visit to Ginsberg tried to hustle the kind and generous community to lend political support to his ex-wife, while he failed to make the effort to speak to Biko’s spirit.

Biko’s aura and iconography was raided by the state for political profit.

If it’s not the DA, it’s the ANC – everyone wants a bit of Biko. There are points to score, the political messaging of rival ideologues to discredit. In such circumstances, beware.

The plundering of Nelson Mandela’s legacy was plotted before his grave.

The moral legitimacy of Biko, beyond the party politics of elite capture, is under assault. The Sobukwe family must be prepared. How can we stay in touch with our ancestors when their legacy is ransacked?

Guided by their vision, we remember they have passed. No child is fooled by a Santa suit in a shopping mall. We join in rituals for what they are worth but know the imposter is not for real. — Chris Allsobrok, via e-mail

I THINK the racism accusation against Helen Zille is ridiculous. Historical truth may offend certain people but how can we simply pretend the colonialists didn't build a nation ?

What changed? Apartheid used to be blamed for everything but now we're on the anti-colonial Mugabe-style track.

When can we begin to continue to build this nation together, according to the Freedom Charter. As things stand the rainbow nation is a myth. It is not part of the current ruling party's vision. — Judy van Aardt, Vincent

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