The Black Consciousness Movement mourns the passing of the liberation icon and black consciousness stalwart, Ntate Kenneth Hlako Rachidi, who passed on peacefully at his home on Sunday, 23 October, 2022.

Ntate Rachidi was a leader of the Black People Convention (BPC). Because of his involvement in the struggle, he was constantly harrassed and detained numerous times by the apartheid regime.

He joined the Black Consciousness movement during his student days. Over the years, he served the Black consciousness movement in a number of capacities.

In his various roles, he served with among others, Bantu Biko, Nchaupe Mokoape, Barney

Pityana, Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, Thenjiwe Mthintso, Saths Cooper, Nikiwe Matshoba, Mohapi, Motlalepula Kgware, Mthuli ka Shezi, Strini Moodley, Mosibudi Mangena, Mamphela Ramphele, Peter Jones, Pat Machaka, Ben Langa and many others.

One of Rachidi's most iconic moments was the moving eulogy he delivered at the funeral of his friend and comrade, Steve Biko, on 25 September, 1977.

Even though the apartheid regime stopped many people from attending Biko's funeral, over 20 000 people, including international dignitaries, attended.

Following in Biko's footsteps, Ntate Rachidi served as the last president of Black People's Convention's (BPC), which was also banned as part the nation wide crackdown on black consciousness organisations and leaders, on the 19 of October,1977.

Ntate Hlako Rachidi was a humble individual, a committed freedom fighter, a dedicated community activist, a loving father and husband, but above all, he was great son of the soil.

Ntate Rachidi will be laid to rest on Friday 28 October, 2022.

Guest: Mpho Rachidi - Ntate Rachidi’s eldest son