25/08/2026
MEDIA ADVISORY
GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PROVINCIAL MILESTONES OF FREEDOM CAMPAIGN IN FREE STATE
On Thursday, 27 August 2026, government will launch the Milestones of Freedom campaign in the Free State, led by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong, in partnership with the Free State provincial government and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality led by Executive Gregory Nthatisi.
The launch will take place at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein, a site of historical significance in South Africaโs journey towards democracy.
Members of the media are invited to cover the programme as follows:
09h00: Freedom Walk in honour of Charlotte Maxeke.
The Freedom Walk will honour Charlotte Maxeke, a pioneering South African religious leader, social and political activist who is widely recognised as a prominent figure in the struggle for freedom and equality.
Participants will include students from local tertiary institutions and representatives of civil society organisations.
Route: NALN building, President Brand Street, to Waaihoek Wesleyan Church, Bloemfontein.
10h00: Tour of Waaihoek Wesleyan Church Museum.
Waaihoek Wesleyan Church is an important site in the history of the liberation struggle.
The tour will provide an opportunity to reflect on South Africaโs journey from apartheid to democracy.
In 1912, community activists, political leaders and professionals, including businessmen, clergymen, journalists, lawyers and teachers, gathered at the church for a meeting that contributed to the establishment of the South African Native National Congress, which was renamed the African National Congress in 1923.
10h35: Lighting of the Torch of Freedom.
Deputy Minister Morolong, together with the Provincial and local leadership, will preside over the Lighting of the Torch of Freedom ceremony at Waaihoek Wesleyan Church.
The ceremony will honour the women who participated in the historic 1956 anti-pass campaign, which culminated in the Womenโs March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956.
11h50: Official public launch of the Free State Milestones Of Freedom.
The launch provides a platform for reflection on South Africaโs history, the gains of democracy and the responsibility of current and future generations to safeguard the countryโs democratic achievements.
Deputy Minister Morolong will deliver the keynote address.
13h50: Doorstop Interviews.
Members of the media will have an opportunity to conduct doorstop interviews with key participants.
The Milestones of Freedom campaign encourages South Africans to reflect on the countryโs history, honour the sacrifices made by previous generations and draw lessons from the past to strengthen the countryโs democratic future.
Since the National launch in June 2026, on the 26th of July, government commenced with the rollout of the campaign to provinces. Thus far, the campaign has been launched in five provinces, with Free State, Limpopo and North West remaining.
Government calls on South Africans to reflect on the journey of freedom and appreciate the sacrifices made in attaining the democracy we currently enjoy by celebrating the key milestones that this campaign highlights. These are:
โข the 30th anniversary of the Constitution;
โข the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprisings;
โข the 70th anniversary of the Womenโs Anti-Pass Campaign; and
โข the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.
Accreditation for Media Only
Media are requested to apply for accreditation by submitting their details to:
Lehlohonolo Manoto: 083 732 3435 email: [email protected]
Collection of accreditations will be on 26 August 2026 starting from 10:00 to 16:00 at Waaihoek Wesleyan Church, Bloemfontein.
Accreditation related quiries can be directed to:
Lehlohonolo Manoto - 083 732 3435 or Pheliswa Sebati โ 082 413 4609
Enquiries:
Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Government Spokesperson - Cell: 083 653 7485
William Baloyi
Deputy Government Spokesperson - Cell: 083 390 7147
Issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
25 August 2026