In 1950, when Biko was four, his father fell ill, was hospitalised in St. Matthew's Hospital, Keiskammahoek, and died, making the family dependent on his mother's income.
Pada 1950, saat Biko berusia empat tahun, ayahnya jatuh sakit, dirawat di St. Matthew's Hospital, Keiskammahoek, dan meninggal, membuat keluarganya bergantung pada pemasukan ibunya.