Steve Biko is arrested near Grahamstown

Students from three Cape high schools organized a demonstration to coincide with a general strike called by student leaders in Johannesburg.

An estimated 200,000 Coloured workers stayed away on 15 and 16 September, linking worker action to the expanding youth revolt.

Renewed confrontation showed that the June uprising had developed into a sustained challenge involving schools, workers and township communities.

Nine Black Consciousness activists were convicted after a lengthy political trial; six received six-year terms and three received five-year terms on Robben Island.

Security police re-arrested Biko under apartheid security laws as the state intensified repression of Black Consciousness after the 1976 uprising.

Biko died from severe brain injuries after assault and neglect by security police. His killing drew worldwide condemnation and exposed torture in detention.

The funeral at King William's Town became a mass political gathering attended by mourners, diplomats and liberation activists.

The government banned Black Consciousness bodies and other organizations, closed The World and Weekend World, and restricted prominent activists and journalists.

South African airborne forces attacked a SWAPO refugee and transit camp at Cassinga, killing hundreds. The raid became a major symbol of regional resistance to apartheid military power.

Botha replaced John Vorster and developed a strategy combining limited constitutional reform with military and security repression.