President Jacob Zuma will lead the national commemoration of Human Rights Day in King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.

The Presidency said that the highlight of the 2017 commemoration will be the honouring of Black Consciousness leader, Steve Biko. This year marks 40 years since his murder.

The commemorations will this year be held under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Unity in action in advancing Human Rights”, celebrating the contribution of national icon and hero Mr Oliver Reginald Tambo in advancing unity in the struggle for liberation.

Presidential spokesperson, Dr Bongani Nqqulanga, said that President Zuma, along with Biko’s wife, Nontsikilelo, will unveil a memorial at the gravesite in Ginsberg, before Zuma proceeds to the main Human Rights Day celebration in King Williams Town.

The commemoration of Human Rights Day originates from the Sharpeville Massacre that took place on March 21, 1960 when 69 people were killed by the apartheid police during a peaceful protest march.