Abigail Solomon
Gr. 12
Final Essay
Examine the principles of Black Consciousness as advocated by
Steve Biko and its impact on the anti-apartheid movement in South
Africa:
The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), had a number of principes
advocated by Steve Biko which left an impact on the anti-apartheid movement
in South Africa. Steve Biko had a huge role in the development of the principles
that had to do with black consciousness, such as the promotion of black people
finding self-worth and unity before taking a more political approach. Because
of this shift in focus, led by Biko, it impacted the anti-apartheid movement by
creating more awareness within the country as well as overseas.
Bantu Stephen Biko grew up in Ginsberg, in the eastern cape. His father died at
an early age due to illness, leaving his mother to provide for a family of five. His
mother was a god-fearing woman devoted to helping others, particularly
within the community. Her influence shaped his morals, priorities and decisions
later on in his life. He had a charismatic personality and earned a place at UNB
medical school through his academic achievements. Unfortunately, Steve Biko
died due to physical torture inflicted on him by the police in 1977. He was the
leading director and contributor to the BCM.1
The BCM was one of the most well-known anti-apartheid movements which
originated in an increase of opposition towards the apartheid government. It
can be described as an ideology and movement that aimed to unite and
organise black people, particularly the youth.2 Segregated schools and
universities became places where black students discussed politics and ways to
change the society in which they lived. This contributed to the growth and
black philosophy of Black consciousness.1
Black university students, especially those involved in the National Union of
South African Students (NUSAS) and the University Christian Movement (UCM),
felt limited within student-based organisations. White students upheld
leadership within these multi-racial organisations and extended their
principles. The black students saw this as an obstruction in the path to truly
1
Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement,
https://oxfordre.com/africanhistory/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.001.0001/acrefore-
9780190277734-e-83#acrefore-9780190277734-e-83-div1-1 , 28 February 2024 @ 11h00
2
The ideology of the Black Consciousness Movement, https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/ideology-black-
consciousness-movement , 28 February 2023 @ 11h07
Gr. 12
Final Essay
Examine the principles of Black Consciousness as advocated by
Steve Biko and its impact on the anti-apartheid movement in South
Africa:
The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), had a number of principes
advocated by Steve Biko which left an impact on the anti-apartheid movement
in South Africa. Steve Biko had a huge role in the development of the principles
that had to do with black consciousness, such as the promotion of black people
finding self-worth and unity before taking a more political approach. Because
of this shift in focus, led by Biko, it impacted the anti-apartheid movement by
creating more awareness within the country as well as overseas.
Bantu Stephen Biko grew up in Ginsberg, in the eastern cape. His father died at
an early age due to illness, leaving his mother to provide for a family of five. His
mother was a god-fearing woman devoted to helping others, particularly
within the community. Her influence shaped his morals, priorities and decisions
later on in his life. He had a charismatic personality and earned a place at UNB
medical school through his academic achievements. Unfortunately, Steve Biko
died due to physical torture inflicted on him by the police in 1977. He was the
leading director and contributor to the BCM.1
The BCM was one of the most well-known anti-apartheid movements which
originated in an increase of opposition towards the apartheid government. It
can be described as an ideology and movement that aimed to unite and
organise black people, particularly the youth.2 Segregated schools and
universities became places where black students discussed politics and ways to
change the society in which they lived. This contributed to the growth and
black philosophy of Black consciousness.1
Black university students, especially those involved in the National Union of
South African Students (NUSAS) and the University Christian Movement (UCM),
felt limited within student-based organisations. White students upheld
leadership within these multi-racial organisations and extended their
principles. The black students saw this as an obstruction in the path to truly
1
Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement,
https://oxfordre.com/africanhistory/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.001.0001/acrefore-
9780190277734-e-83#acrefore-9780190277734-e-83-div1-1 , 28 February 2024 @ 11h00
2
The ideology of the Black Consciousness Movement, https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/ideology-black-
consciousness-movement , 28 February 2023 @ 11h07
