Apartheid History Comes to Life for A Level Students

Dillon’s father, Donald Woods, was a South African journalist and anti-apartheid activist who worked with Steve Biko, and later Nelson Mandela, to combat racism and the South African apartheid government. When Biko died in police custody in 1977, Donald arranged for his badly beaten body to be photographed as irrefutable evidence of how Biko had been treated in the days leading up to his death. However, life in South Africa soon become untenable for the Woods family, and when Dillon was just 12, they fled to Britain, where Donald continued the fight. He wrote Biko’s biography, which was the inspiration for the 1987 film, Cry Freedom, starring Denzel Washington as Biko and directed by Richard Attenborough.

6.1 History A Level student, Frances Ogwu, wrote this report:

Black Consciousness and South Africa’s Struggle for Justice: Insights from Dillon Woods 

Studying the History A Level module “South Africa: From Apartheid State to Rainbow Nation” has given me a deep understanding of the political, social, and cultural shifts that shaped South Africa’s transformation, especially the impact of apartheid on daily life and the role of resistance movements in challenging apartheid. However, attending Dillon Woods’ talk enriched this knowledge of South African history. His personal account brought history to life, offering a powerful, human perspective that went beyond what I had studied in class.

Dillon Woods, the son of the late journalist and activist Donald Woods, and CEO of the Donald Woods Foundation, shared his family’s exceptional journey during apartheid. His account of their escape to the UK following his father’s banning order opened my eyes to the realities of apartheid. Hearing about the constant violent threats, surveillance, and risks faced by his family highlighted the courage and determination it took to defy such an oppressive system. For instance, when Woods described his sister Mary being attacked with acid because of their activism, it underscored the heavy personal sacrifices made in the fight for justice- sacrifices that are often overlooked.

His reflections on Black Consciousness, a movement founded by Steve Biko, focused on resisting the psychological effects of apartheid were intriguing. Woods spoke of Biko’s philosophy as not only a political strategy but as a moral and psychological awakening that empowered black South Africans to reclaim their identity and humanity. Woods also shared how his father, Donald Woods, who had initially viewed the movement as a form of racial separatism, came to understand Black Consciousness as a movement focused on self-liberation and dignity through his friendship with Steve Biko. Their relationship was built on deep respect. Notably, Woods’ ability to speak Xhosa allowed him to connect with Biko on a deeper level. This allowed them to communicate more privately and gave Woods a greater understanding of Biko and his philosophy of Black Consciousness, inspiring him and strengthening his commitment to exposing the truth about the apartheid regime. Having studied Biko in the context of his writings and leadership, hearing these personal anecdotes deepened my appreciation for Black consciousness and its lasting impact.

At the end of the talk, I asked Dillon Woods if there were moments when his family’s commitment to justice was challenged. He shared those moments like Biko’s death and the personal suffering of family members such as his sister Mary forced them to confront the full weight of their decisions. These tragedies, however, only strengthened their resolve to remain committed to justice. His response was a reminder that the struggle was not only shaped by big political movements but by individuals and families who made unimaginable sacrifices.

Overall, this talk greatly enriched my understanding of South African history, providing a perspective that goes beyond classroom learning. It made me appreciate how ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions to history. Dillon Woods’ insights have inspired me to approach my learning with deeper empathy and a greater appreciation for the complexities of the anti-apartheid struggle, reminding me of the importance of courage and commitment in the fight for justice.