Makhanda (Formerly Grahamstown) – In a rare moment of coming full circle, Rhodes University will honour Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Biko by robing her at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg in the Eastern Cape.
This event scheduled for Thursday, (27 March 2025), follows her virtual bestowment of an Honorary Doctorate in Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) during the 72nd graduation ceremony on 28 April 2021.
Rhodes University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, will personally conduct the robing ceremony, a milestone that was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Professor Mabizela stated in 2021: “This conferral on Mama Biko is in recognition and celebration of her long and sustained contribution as a dedicated community activist and an advocate for the upliftment of the poor and marginalised in our society.
“Deeply rooted in the philosophy of Black Consciousness and the approach to community development that promotes self-reliance and personal agency, she has played a critical role in giving hope and livelihoods to the communities in which she has worked.
“Through her community activities, she has touched many lives and helped young and old regain their dignity, self-respect, and humanity.”
Mama Biko, born in Libode close to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, has a rich history of dedication to healthcare and community activism.
She completed her junior certificate at Buntingville Secondary School and matriculated at Shawbury Senior Secondary School.
She pursued training in General Nursing and Midwifery, earning a Diploma in Advanced Nursing Science from the University of South Africa and certifications in nursing from Grey Hospital (geriatric care and HIV/AIDS counselling) and Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha (primary health care).
In 1966, while in training, she met the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), Bantu Stephen Biko, who was then a medical student at the University of Natal.
Reflecting on their relationship, she said: “I must say, he was very politically involved then as president of SASO… and somehow I fell for him.”
The couple married in 1970 and had two children, Nkosinathi and Samora, and were later blessed with a daughter, Bulelwa Lindelwa, in 1988.
Mama Biko’s journey saw her family relocating to Ginsberg in 1972 when her husband was banned to Qonce.
Despite facing immense challenges, including her husband’s tragic death in 1977, her resilience never wavered.
She worked at Grey Hospital in King William’s Town until 1999, even as she faced ongoing intimidation from authorities.
Her unwavering commitment to community-based activism became a hallmark of her life, reflecting the Black Consciousness philosophy.
Mama Biko’s community work includes membership in the Ginsberg Civic Association, being a Trustee of the Ginsberg Education Trust, and her role in founding the Steve Biko Foundation with her son, Nkosinathi.
The Centre has become her primary base for continued activism, where she actively participates in public dialogues, book launches, exhibitions, and performances.
“It is an honour to have been awarded this recognition of my life’s work by Rhodes University. Having devoted my life to the provision of public health care services, amongst others, I must dedicate this honour to the thousands of frontline workers who have defended our country against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mama Biko said in 2021.
The university said the upcoming robing ceremony will be a “profound moment of recognition and celebration” of Mama Biko’s enduring legacy and contributions to society.
