Rhodes University
Rhodes University says it will honour Nontsikelelo Biko at a robing ceremony at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg on 27 March.
This was after the institution bestowed her with an honorary doctorate in laws in 2021, during a virtual presentation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, will lead the robing ceremony.
During the virtual presentation, Mabizela stated that “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.”
Biko was born in Libode near Mthatha on 9 May 1946, and has dedicated her life to healthcare and community activism.
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.
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 her late husband, 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. She was later blessed with a daughter, Bulelwa Lindelwa, in 1988.
Mrs. 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
Biko remained committed to public service, working at Grey Hospital until 1999 while facing intimidation from authorities.
She was also instrumental in founding the Steve Biko Foundation alongside her son, Nkosinathi, and has continued to play a key role in community development.
Her activism, deeply rooted in the Black Consciousness philosophy, continues at the Steve Biko Centre, where she engages in community upliftment efforts.
“It is an honour to have been awarded this recognition of my life's work by Rhodes University,” she said in 2021. “I must dedicate this honour to the thousands of frontline workers who have defended our country against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Rhodes University said the robing ceremony is a profound moment of recognition and celebration of Biko’s enduring legacy and contributions to society.
