Biko’s work still has to be completed
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has said black people might have been freed from the apartheid regime, but they are still economically enslaved.
“I don’t carry a pass, I’m now free, I can sell along the streets without being harassed by police, I’m free. It’s all true, but it’s not complete,” Zuma said.
Zuma was speaking yesterday at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre after laying a wreath for slain anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko who died in police custody on September 12, 1977.
Zuma was accompanied by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Michael Masutha, Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, and Minister of Defence and Military veterans Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula.
The leader of the Black Consciousness Movement died in custody as a result of police brutality 40 years ago. Zuma said people should question what is free and define it first and fight for it.
“If you are in Johannesburg there are informal settlements and only one colour of skin comes out of those. If you are in the centre of the city, it’s a different situation. We still live in two worlds in one.
He said the words and work of Biko remained incomplete and the Struggle was not yet over with some people still sleeping under a bridge.
He emphasised the importance of remembering Biko’s teachings, philosophy and effort to fight apartheid. “Those who are proud of who they are must pick up where Biko left off and continue so every South African is liberated.”