Translated into isiXhosa, Biko’s 1977 book poised to reach much wider audience

A new isiXhosa edition of Steve Biko’s seminal workI Write What I Likewill be launched in Qonce on Saturday, marking a significant step in making the Black Consciousness leader’s ideas more accessible to African-language readers. The book, originally published afterBiko’s deathin 1977, is a collection of writings and letters produced between 1969 and 1972, reflecting his philosophy of Black Consciousness and the need for psychological and political liberation under apartheid. The new edition, titledNdibhala Intando Yam, will be launched at the Steve Biko Centre on Human Rights Day, and will be the first time the work is available in Biko’s native language.

Biko’s son, Nkosinathi, said the translation was long overdue. “I Write What I Likehas already been translated into several international languages, including Portuguese and Italian, and discussions are under way with Indonesian publishers,“ he said. “The time had long come for us to have the teachings of Biko available in African languages.” He said the isiXhosa edition formed part of a broader campaign to mark what would have been Biko’s 80th birthday, with plans to expand into other African languages.

“Conversations around a kiSwahili translation are already under way,” he said. The book was translated by the late Prof Peter Mtuze, a respected language practitioner who also translated Nelson Mandela’sLong Walk to Freedom. Mtuze died in 2025.

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I Write What I Likerepresents the creative thinkers of the Black Consciousness Movement of the 1970s through the pen of its overall leader, Steve Bantu Biko Biko’s close friend, Dr Andile Afrika, said the translation was fitting and would preserve the integrity of the original work. “I Write What I Likerepresents the creative thinkers of the Black Consciousness Movement of the 1970s through the pen of its overall leader,Steve Bantu Biko,” Afrika said.

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