On Tuesday 15 September 2015 the Rhodes University Student Representative Council (SRC) gathered along with other students and academic staff at the Bantu Stephen Biko Building for the Steve Biko Commemoration unveiling. The unveiling took place a few days after the anniversary of Biko’s death and served to show the SRC’s efforts to actively commemorate the fallen hero. 

 

The unveiling, which happened on the Union stairs after the student body meeting, was presented by SRC Activism and Transformation Councilor Japhta Lekalakala. “I welcome you to this short event in honour of one of South Africa’s distinguished intellectuals, political activists and student leaders, Bantu Steve Biko,” said Lekalakala in his introduction. “Before I proceed I would like us to call a moment of silence in honor of this great man.” 

 

“The ideas of Biko, which talk about the need to transcend space and time, have remained ever so relevant and have given hope to young, leaders inspiring them to strive to better the society they live in,” said Lekalakala shortly after the moment of silence. “Lekalakala went on to add that the SRC is compelled to learn from Biko in advancing the cause for a more just university and society in general. “With frame and vigor we present this token of appreciation as a step in track to leave our marks on the walls of this institution and to stand as a visual representation of our attempt to transform this space in one of but many countless ways visually.” 

 

The portrait which was painted by Rhodes student Staci Scallan was unveiled with a timeline that was done by Rhodes student Thabiso Mafana. “We hope that the teachings and writings of Biko together with this artwork captures our appreciation of the struggle on behalf of the student body,” said lekalakala.  “We also hope it stands as a testament of student will, leadership and certainly explain to future generations how far we have come.” Lekalakala then explained that he hopes students can use this portrait to draw inspiration from those battles and at the same time capture the essence of what it is to be a Biko.

 

Lekalakala then thanked all in attendance and invited first year student Nhlakanipho Mahlangu on stage to perform the song ‘Glory’ which then ended the event. 

 

 

By Thandi Bombi