Honouring Amy Biehl: A legacy of forgiveness and reconciliation

The family of Amy Biehl and volunteers from the Amy Biehl Foundation braved howling winds on Monday, 25 August, to mark the anniversary of her death.

Amy, a 26-year-old American Fulbright scholar, was killed in Gugulethu on August 25, 1993, in one of the province’s darkest political tragedies.

It has been 32 years since her death. She worked at the University of the Western Cape’s Community Law Centre.

The day began at Siyazingisa Primary School, followed by a flower-laying ceremony at the Amy Biehl Memorial Site. The event brought together family and friends to reflect on Amy's remarkable contributions.

Amy's parents, Linda and Peter Biehl, chose the path of forgiveness and reconciliation after her death. They not only forgave those responsible but also worked alongside them, building a foundation rooted in hope, healing, and opportunity.

On Monday, one of those men, Ntobeko Peni, a respected leader within the Amy Biehl Foundation, spoke about his daily efforts to mentor, guide, and empower the next generation, and he laid flowers at Amy’s memorial site.

Speaking at the event, Amy's mother described her daughter’s story as one of courage, resilience, and compassion.

She said Amy serves as an inspiration to young people in South Africa today.

“I am happy that there is a legacy of love, joy, education, and all these good things to remember Amy.” She added that Amy was her heart and was always determined to do what she felt was right, both in sports and academics. “She wanted to bring medals. She wanted her friends to bring medals too. She was very determined to be number one in both sport and school,” she said, adding that she was happy to see that progress had been made in her daughter’s name.

Mr Peni said that on the 32nd anniversary of her death,  "they were not mourning but celebrating."

He thanked those who attended the event, saying: “It’s been 32 years. We are gathered here not to mourn but to celebrate and say the legacy goes on. We are blessed today because, on this 32nd anniversary, Ms Biehl happens to be in South Africa as well. As part of this journey, you are equally part of the legacy. You are not passengers in this legacy; we all carry the work that Amy came for.”

Another man involved in Amy’s death, Eazy Nofemele, thanked the Biehl family for their ongoing efforts to organise the memorial, stressing the importance of their continuing forgiveness and reconciliation.

“What I like about them is their commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation. Their understanding of the situation is always appreciated,” he said.

As part of the commemoration, pupils from the Siyazingisa After School Programme in Gugulethu showcased their talents, demonstrating the creativity, energy, and potential that Amy so passionately believed in. These young voices are the living embodiment of her dream for a brighter, more inclusive country.

Michelle Bagley, CEO of the Amy Biehl Foundation, said since its founding in 1998, the foundation has reached more than 12 000 young people, equipping them with skills, values, and opportunities to break cycles of poverty and build meaningful futures.

“Every pupil supported is a reminder that from pain can come purpose, and from loss, the power to change lives,” she said, adding that it was more than a day of remembrance; it is a celebration of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the remarkable journey of transformation that Amy’s story has made possible.

"We are honoured to continue her legacy through every child we serve.”