Steve Biko and Donald Woods: A Fight for Justice in South Africa

The Meeting of Woods and Biko

This story began in a newspaper office in East London, South Africa. Donald Woods, the editor, received five photographs of Steve Biko from photographer Ken Robertson. Mamphela Ramphele, a doctor and friend of Biko, was outraged after reading the newspaper's coverage. She insisted that before writing about Biko, Woods needed to understand his motivations and ideas. Consequently, Woods traveled to meet Biko, and together they visited Zanenpilo, a clinic and community center Biko was helping to establish for Black citizens, where Mamphela worked as a physician.

A Dangerous Journey and Political Awakening

Three weeks later, Woods and Biko traveled to a Black township. The journey was perilous, as Biko was banned from restricted areas and risked immediate arrest. During this trip, Biko suggested that Woods meet Tenjy's family. They explained how white settlers sought total control over South Africa, despite the country originally being home to both Black and white populations. Shortly after, Woods hired Mapetla and Tenjy, two Black activists, to report on the struggles of the Black community. Meanwhile, Biko held a public meeting at a football stadium, which led to his arrest. Although Woods was also briefly detained for publishing reports on Biko's trial, both men were eventually released.

The Tragic Death of Steve Biko

One night, a church watchman witnessed police breaking into the church. Woods reported on the incident and confronted the Minister of Police. When authorities demanded to know his sources, both Woods and Biko remained silent. The following day, police raided the newspaper office and arrested Mapetla, who later died in custody. Biko demanded an inquest into Mapetla's death, but he was arrested again while returning from a meeting. During his detention, Biko was brutally beaten by police; shortly thereafter, Woods received the devastating news that Biko had died, with authorities falsely claiming he had starved himself to death.

The Escape and Legacy

Determined to expose the truth, Woods decided to travel to the United Kingdom to publish a book about Biko. The plan was fraught with danger, as Woods was under a government ban. Initially, his wife was hesitant to leave her parents and home, but after one of their children was poisoned, she agreed to flee. While his family traveled separately, Woods disguised himself as a priest to evade authorities. After overcoming numerous obstacles, the family reunited. With the assistance of British authorities and the United Nations, they secured passports, allowing Woods to escape South Africa and finally publish his book on the life and death of Steve Biko.