One of South Africa’s most hallowed heritage sites is set for a day of celebration and remembrance. Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong, in partnership with the Free State provincial government and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, launches the Milestones of Freedom campaign in the Free State on Thursday at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein.
The campaign seeks to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage reflection on South Africa’s remarkable democratic journey. This year it highlights an extraordinary constellation of anniversaries: 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 youth uprising, 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March, and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six, moments of struggle that gave rise to the free nation South Africans share today.
A Freedom Walk in Maxeke’s footsteps
The day begins at 9am with a Freedom Walk in honour of Charlotte Maxeke, the pioneering religious leader, social and political activist who is celebrated as one of the great figures in the struggle for freedom and equality. Students from local tertiary institutions and representatives of civil society organisations will join the walk, which ends with a visit to the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church Museum, where participants can reflect on the journey from apartheid to democracy.
The choice of venue could hardly be richer in meaning. Waaihoek Wesleyan Church is one of the most significant sites in the history of South Africa’s liberation struggle, giving Thursday’s celebration deep roots in the very soil where the dream of freedom was nurtured.
Lighting the Torch of Freedom
Morolong, together with provincial and local leaders, will preside over the Lighting of the Torch of Freedom ceremony at the church, honouring the women of the historic 1956 anti-pass campaign that culminated in the great march to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956.
A campaign gathering pace
Since President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the national campaign in June 2026, the provincial rollout that began on 26 July has already reached five provinces, with the Free State, Limpopo and North West completing the journey.
“Government calls on South Africans to reflect on the journey of freedom and appreciate the sacrifices made in attaining the democracy we enjoy today by celebrating the key milestones highlighted by this campaign,” the Government Communication and Information System said.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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