Politics after Steve Biko
By: Michael and Brandon
Steve Biko was an African man that many people consider great. He attempted to free the African population from the iron grasp of the Afrikaans. Even though he didn’t succeed his efforts as a influential political figure, along with a couple others, has changed politics in South Africa today. Around 1980-1983, South Africa had redefined the term ‘employee’ to any person working for an employer and job reservation was repealed. Racially mixed unions were also allowed and no longer required ministerial approval. In 1985, President P.W. Botha proposes a release offer to Nelson Mandela who was, at the time, currently in jail. However, Mandela turns down the offer and remains in jail. That year in October, The PFP meets the ANC in Lusaka and calls for the release of Nelson Mandela. Because of this Benjamin Moloise, a member of the ANC, was executed. On May 31st, 1988, a large group of South African religious leaders representing Christians, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu beliefs decided to start a new program of non-violent action to end apartheid. Protest actions were to continue with a campaign to release political prisoners. Similar to what happened in Biko’s lifetime, a pro government Afrikaans newspaper, Die Beeld, in an editorial coinciding with Mandela’s 70th birthday, urges the government to release him. On December 13 1989, President de Klerk and Nelson Mandela meet to discuss the country’s political future. In the year 2000 ANC joined leaders and organizations across the continent declaring the 21st century an African century. African people were starting to once again have pride in themselves after the white rule had all but tried to crush out the African culture. More Africans are able to gain jobs and not only is the president African. But many other key political positions are held by native Africans. By 2003 Brigitte Mabandla was elected the Minister of Housing which proved a massive step in African politics as she was not only fully African, but she was also a woman which shows a massive step forward as even some western nations have not achieved having women in political positions that can help change a nation. Another massive change is that Baleka Kgositsile is currently serving on the ANC. She is also a member of COSAW which is the congress of South African Writers this has opened many possibilities in the South African political enterprise as more and more African women are taking up jobs in political office which is what Steve Biko gave his life for, so that Africans could govern themselves for themselves.
By: Michael and Brandon
Steve Biko was an African man that many people consider great. He attempted to free the African population from the iron grasp of the Afrikaans. Even though he didn’t succeed his efforts as a influential political figure, along with a couple others, has changed politics in South Africa today. Around 1980-1983, South Africa had redefined the term ‘employee’ to any person working for an employer and job reservation was repealed. Racially mixed unions were also allowed and no longer required ministerial approval. In 1985, President P.W. Botha proposes a release offer to Nelson Mandela who was, at the time, currently in jail. However, Mandela turns down the offer and remains in jail. That year in October, The PFP meets the ANC in Lusaka and calls for the release of Nelson Mandela. Because of this Benjamin Moloise, a member of the ANC, was executed. On May 31st, 1988, a large group of South African religious leaders representing Christians, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu beliefs decided to start a new program of non-violent action to end apartheid. Protest actions were to continue with a campaign to release political prisoners. Similar to what happened in Biko’s lifetime, a pro government Afrikaans newspaper, Die Beeld, in an editorial coinciding with Mandela’s 70th birthday, urges the government to release him. On December 13 1989, President de Klerk and Nelson Mandela meet to discuss the country’s political future. In the year 2000 ANC joined leaders and organizations across the continent declaring the 21st century an African century. African people were starting to once again have pride in themselves after the white rule had all but tried to crush out the African culture. More Africans are able to gain jobs and not only is the president African. But many other key political positions are held by native Africans. By 2003 Brigitte Mabandla was elected the Minister of Housing which proved a massive step in African politics as she was not only fully African, but she was also a woman which shows a massive step forward as even some western nations have not achieved having women in political positions that can help change a nation. Another massive change is that Baleka Kgositsile is currently serving on the ANC. She is also a member of COSAW which is the congress of South African Writers this has opened many possibilities in the South African political enterprise as more and more African women are taking up jobs in political office which is what Steve Biko gave his life for, so that Africans could govern themselves for themselves.