Sparks, an important figure in SA landscape

WITH the death of veteran editor and political commentator, Allister Sparks, it would be unfair not to highlight the role he played in Muldergate and the brutal death of Black Consciousness activist, Steven Biko.

As editor, he instructed his reporter, a junior journalist by the name of Helen Zille, to fully investigate the facts of Biko’s death. The conclusion was Biko died of brain injuries consistent with torture, rather than a hunger strike, which was the official version.

This caused an uproar on all levels. Internationally, politically and even in media circles where both Zille and Sparks were charged with something called “tendentious reporting”.

Sparks took the risks and flak that followed, but gave South Africa the facts regarding Biko’s death. This meant a great deal to many blacks who were sceptics regarding official stories.

Sparks really made the sparks fly and lived up to his surname: one may say he was a “bright spark” in the days of apartheid.

Hamba Kahle bhuti Sparks. (Go well brother Sparks.) MUHAMMAD OMAR

Durban North