In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with the TOWER of Black Theology in South Africa, Prof. Itumeleng Mosala and the Director of Urban African Solidarity at Iziko Lamaqabane, Nkosi Gola about the life and legacy of Steven Bantu Biko. The conversation delves deep into the profound impact of Black Consciousness and Black Theology on the struggle for liberation in South Africa, particularly through the lens of Biko's life and work. Together we reflect on Biko's spirituality, his role in student movements, and the impact of his death on the political landscape. We also address the misrepresentation of Biko in popular culture and emphasize the importance of understanding his contributions to human dignity and revolutionary politics. 

About Dr. Itumeleng Mosala 

Prof Mosala is one of the most outstanding South African academics and public intellectuals in the country. His outstanding influence in the academic and public domains has distinguished him as a significant contributor to the academic field of theology (especially Old Testament Studies), tertiary education, politics and public life.

Prof Mosala’s career as a lecturer in Theology stems from his service as a minister in the Methodist Church (1972 to 1977). Thereafter, he taught Theology and Biblical Hermeneutics at some of the finest universities in the world over a period of 15 years (1980 to 1995). Between 1980 to 1982, he taught Biblical Studies, Theology of Liberation, African Traditional Religions and Hebrew at the University of Botswana. From 1983 to 1994, he had tenure at the University of Cape Town, where he held the positions of lecturer, senior lecturer, associate professor, professor and head of department, teaching Black Theology, African Religion and Biblical Studies. Between 1991 and 1993, he was a visiting lecturer at Wesley House College at the University of Cambridge (UK). 

Together with other great black leaders and theologians, Prof Mosala established South African Black Theology. In this regard, his book Biblical Hermeneutics and Black Theology in South Africa (1987) remains one of the definitive statements of South African Black Theology.

His career in the public service started as a Chief Director for Higher Education in the National Department of Education during the presidency of Nelson Mandela, 1995 to 1998. After a stint as Vice Chancellor and Principal at the Technikon North West, 1998 to 2003, he returned to the public service as the Director-General for the National Department of Arts and Culture.

The President of the Republic, Cyril M. Ramaphosa, appointed Prof. Itumeleng Mosala a Commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers on 15 November 2019.

He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Cape Town, M.A from University of Manchester, UK, and an MBA from The Open University, UK.

About Nkosi Gola

Comrade Gola serves as the Director of Urban African Solidarity, Black Church & Black Theology Engagement, and Programs Manager for Iziko Lamaqabane. Iziko Lamaqabane is on a pilgrimage to heal colonial wounds, disrupt systemic violence, and cultivate faith formed by and expressed in liberative praxis. By working in relational solidarity with urban peace and justice practitioners throughout Africa, Iziko serves those active at the site of struggle by facilitating spaces of retreat, exchange and collective learning grounded at the intersection of anabaptism, black liberation theology & critical consciousness.

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Music for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠, Playing for Change, and our own Steve Schallert