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Zuma calls on black South Africans to keep Biko's legacy alive

12 September 2017 1:08 PM

President Jacob Zuma has called on South Africans to continue engaging around the philosophies of Steve Biko.

Zuma honoured the memory of Biko by laying a wreath at the cell in which the struggle icon died on this day in 1977, reports EWN's Clement Manyathela.

Zuma reflected on Biko's advocacy for black pride and black self-reliance, calling on black South Africans to continue fighting for themselves.

— Clement Manyathela, EWN reporter

Zuma was saying the words and the work of Steve Biko are not complete yet and black people must not expect to be helped to advance.

— Clement Manyathela, EWN reporter

Zuma also used the opportunity to speak about radical economic transformation and the empowerment of poor black South Africans.

Meanwhile, student activist Lukhanyo Khete says Biko's legacy is alive.

Biko does live. His voice did transcend the apartheid regime which defiled him and eventually killed him.

— Lukhanyo Khete, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University student activist

Biko died at the then Pretoria Central Prison from injuries sustained while in police custody.

12 September 2017 marks 40 years since the leader of the black consciousness movement died in police custody.

He advocated for black pride and self-reliance.

Listen to a rare interview clip with Biko, the EWN update and Khete's analysis:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : Zuma calls on black South Africans to keep Biko's legacy alive