Government has concluded the provincial rollout of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, with the North West hosting the final provincial launch today.
The rollout began in Gauteng on 26 July 2026 and was subsequently taken to all nine provinces, bringing the campaign closer to communities and creating opportunities for South Africans to reflect on the country’s journey to freedom and democracy.
A common thread across the provincial engagements has been the remembrance of those who dedicated their lives to the struggle for freedom and democracy.
Activities such as wreath-laying ceremonies, led by national and provincial government leaders, tree planting and community clean-up initiatives provided opportunities for communities to honour the sacrifices of those who came before them, while reinforcing the importance of caring for the communities and public spaces that form part of our shared heritage.
Intergenerational dialogues held across the nine provinces provided platforms for sharing knowledge, experiences and perspectives, particularly with young people. These engagements have helped to deepen understanding and appreciation of South Africa’s history and the generations of struggle and sacrifice that shaped the democratic society we have today.
Between 2025 and 2026, South Africa reached four significant milestones in its journey of freedom and democracy. The Milestones of Freedom campaign commemorates 30 years of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprisings, 60 years since the forced removals from District Six, and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings.
While each milestone represents a distinct chapter in South Africa’s history, together they tell a broader story of struggle, resilience, sacrifice and the determination of generations of South Africans to build a democratic and inclusive society.
These milestones are being commemorated at a time when South Africa continues to confront significant social and economic challenges. Despite the progress made since the advent of democracy, challenges such as crime and gender-based violence and femicide remain serious concerns. These realities remind us that the work of building a just, safe and inclusive society remains an ongoing responsibility that requires the participation of all South Africans.
The commemoration of these milestones therefore provides an opportunity not only to remember the sacrifices of previous generations, but also to reflect on the society that has been built since 1994, recognise the progress that has been made, and confront the challenges that remain.
The conclusion of the provincial launches marks more than the end of a series of events. It completes an important phase of the Milestones of Freedom campaign and provides a foundation for continued national engagement throughout the commemorative period.
As the campaign enters its next phase, Government calls on South Africans to share the story of our democracy and freedom in their communities and homes; honour the heroes and heroines who made these gains possible; and protect, preserve and advance our democratic gains for future generations.
Together, we must continue building a South Africa that is more just, safe, inclusive and prosperous, while ensuring that the lessons of our history continue to inform the society we seek to build.
Enquiries:
Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 653 7485
William Baloyi
Deputy Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 390 7147
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