P. W. Botha becomes prime minister

Biko was detained at a roadblock while travelling despite his banning order. He was taken into security police custody and interrogated.

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.

The apartheid state hanged the young MK combatant despite a major international campaign for clemency. His final message became a rallying cry for resistance.

Independent unions created a nonracial federation built around strong workplace organization. FOSATU helped lay foundations for a larger labour movement in the 1980s.

The ANC used the Freedom Charter's twenty-fifth anniversary to promote a democratic alternative to apartheid and strengthen internal and international mobilization.

Three MK members, pursued by police, entered a Pretoria bank and took hostages. A police assault killed the three combatants and two civilians.

ANC combatants used rifles, rockets and grenades and scattered leaflets demanding Walter Sisulu's release from Robben Island.