Category: ['29728', '29798', '30081', '30099']
I Write What I Like features the writing of the famous activist and Black Consciousness leader, Steve Biko. Before his untimely death in detention at age 30, he was instrumental in uniting Black Africans in the struggle against the apartheid government in South Africa.
This 40th anniversary edition includes a Foreword by Njabulo S. Ndebele, personal reflections on Steve Biko and Black Consciousness, as well as Biko's first known published piece of writing.
In addition, it features all the material of the original Picador Africa edition: a collection of Biko's columns entitled I Write What I Like published in the journal of the South Africa Student Organisation under the pseudonym of 'Frank Talk'; other journal articles, interviews and letters written by Steve Biko at the time; an Introduction by Nkosinathi Biko; a preface by Archbishop Desmond Tutu; and a moving memoir by Father Aelred Stubbs, which pays tribute to the courage and power of this young leader, who was to become one of Africa's heroes.
What's in the box
1 x Book
10 Dec 2020
This book introduced me to the gallant thinker that Bantu Biko was, his timeless ideals still ring true in today's context. It conscientised me and made me appreciate the paramount role the BCM played in restoring and building the dignity of a black man in a time when they considered subhumans.The contents of this will make you realize that the progress we have made is superficial because the struggles of black people are still the same, and most importantly the black man is still ON HIS OWN!
28 Sep 2023
To be honest, I had a bit of dread about picking this up, thinking it would be overly dense and difficult to get into. Happy to be wrong! I laughed and cried. I wonder how different South Africa would be if Steve Biko were allowed to live and lead. Not just relevant to black consciousness, this book can inform all activism, especially for allies to various causes.
28 May 2022
Reading a book will always be better than reading a soft copy in your phone or computer, thanks to takealot for quality products they have even on books, even the pages smells freshβ€οΈ, I'm enjoying reading through it every night
31 May 2025
This is a book I think every black South African to read. I feel like a lot of black people till today feel inferior to white people and this tackles that insecurity in black communities. Itβs a good book and Steve Bikoβs teaching remains relevant till today
30 Dec 2021
A poignant political book, very insightful and thorough. I recommend it for everyone.
08 Nov 2023
i have always heard about steve biko and his brilliance but this one takes the cake.
19 Sep 2022
I have always wanted to own this book, thanks to Takealot, I got it in a good condition
09 Apr 2026
I read this book for the first almost 15 years ago, and I have been re-reading multiple times to keep my black consciousness tree well-watered. I bought this copy for my daughter's 19th birthday to start her off with a solid foundation for necessary political grounding. BRILLIANT read from one of the greatest to ever walk this South African soil!
28 Aug 2025
I thought i was buying the classic i write what i like not this nonsense.
15 Mar 2024
Affordable , without any piece of information missing!