PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma will be at the Victoria Sports Grounds in King William’s Town to commemorate Human Rights Day on March 21.
During the month of March, government calls on South Africans to play their part in raising awareness and promoting basic human rights in their communities, workplaces and places of worship in line with the theme: The Year of OR Tambo: Unity in Action in Advancing Human Rights.
This year is the centenary of the birth of Oliver Reginald Tambo, a struggle stalwart who was an advocate for human rights, social cohesion and nation building.
“His values of freedom, racial tolerance and respect for humanity should be emulated by all who want to see this country moving forward,” government spokesman Donald Liphoko said.
Provinces will engage in different activities throughout the month, leading to the bigger national commemorative event at Victoria Sports Grounds.
This venue has special historical significance as it is where the funeral of the late human rights activist, Steve Bantu Biko, who was murdered by the apartheid police, was held 40 years ago.
In recognition of the contribution made by Steve Biko in the liberation of the people of South Africa and to mark 40 years of his passing, Zuma is expected to lay a wreath at his burial site on the morning of March 21.
“Nation building is a process that we must all commit to nurture and defend continuously.
“Therefore, all South Africans are encouraged to participate and support a number of social cohesion dialogues hosted by the Department of Arts and Culture in various provinces throughout the month,” Liphoko said.
“Let each and every one of us commit to the values of OR Tambo by combating all forms of racial intolerance and promoting basic human rights in the places where we live”.
For more information on Human Rights Month and related activities visit www.gov.za www.dac.gov.za or www.gcis.gov.za
