Steve Biko is often seen as the charismatic leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, who played a useful stopgap role in South African politics in the late 1960s and 1970s.

This biography of Biko shows, on the contrary, just how fundamental he was to the transformation of South Africa in the second half of the 20th century – and just how relevant he remains today. For it was Biko’s unique political understanding and psychological insight into what was required to awaken the minds of the oppressed that set in motion an unstoppable movement for change across South Africa.

Lindy Wilson is an independent writer and documentary filmmaker, who met Biko in the Eastern Cape when he was banned. She has interviewed many of Biko’s colleagues and friends in great depth.