Biko praised for contribution to literature
Though most people know Steve Biko as an antiapartheid activist, historian and writer Dr Andile M-afrika says the Black Consciousness Movement leader’s contribution to literature was phenomenal.
M-afrika, also a political activist, was speaking at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg, Qonce, on Friday at an event organised by the provincial department of sports, recreation, arts & culture to celebrate literary icons of the province.
“Having served as the first president of Saso [SA Students’ Organisation], Biko started a writing tradition among the students of the 1970s by establishing the historical Saso Newsletter, a landmark publication that unearthed writers and artists across SA.
“His column was called I Write What I Like.
“His pen name was Frank Talk (tell it like it is).
“On the heels of the Saso Newsletter, Biko led the establishment of Black Review (a national annual report), Black Viewpoint, Black Perspective.
“In addition to researching, writing, editing and publishing, Biko wrote for other publications as a guest columnist,” said M-afrika, who is the biographer and editor of Saso Newsletter: 50th Anniversary
Edition.
He said Biko’s writings were the product of a “humane, wise judge of life who was generous with his ideas, a writer who was compassionate, yet with a strength of will”.
“His pieces reflect a deep psychological consistency in that with every question he raised, in some way he would provide some answer couched in words with strong feelings, as shown in the rhythm in his sentences and in their pattern as they rise and fall.
“Biko, as a writer, did not stay away from education.
“He educated himself and re-educated himself so that he clearly understood the arguments of others.
“This was motivated by his respect and high regard for the views of others.”
Speaking at the same event, Bruce Waters of the Steve Biko Foundation said it was proud to serve as a great platform for book launches.
“I am pleased to report since our last gathering we have more than doubled the number of our indigenous language titles (books).
“Our book launch series has moved more into isixhosa and we will continue in this trend,” Waters said.
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders deputy chair Chief Gwazinamba Matanzima encouraged writers to reflect on culture and languages in their work.
He said research was important before a prospective author could even attempt writing.
M-afrika said Biko had enriched world literature with his Black Consciousness-orientated books as a result of his influence as a thinker and activist.
“No one can dispute Bantu Biko’s capacity to create new ideas, power to undertake a thorough and orderly exploration of ideas and, most importantly, to fully develop the implications of his themes.
“Literature is a site of a nation’s civilisation, an area of society’s power and psychical control,” he said.