The Milestones of Freedom Campaign was officially launched at the Umfolozi TVET College Chief Albert Luthuli Campus in KwaDukuza Local Municipality, iLembe District, on Thursday, 06 August 2026.
The launch was led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong, who said South Africa’s democratic progress should be measured not only by political freedom, but also by the restoration of dignity, land, education and opportunities for all.
Deputy Minister Morolong paid tribute to Chief Albert Luthuli, saying the hosting of the campaign at a campus bearing the name of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate served as a reminder of the values of justice, peace, integrity and selfless service that shaped South Africa’s democracy.
He said the Milestones of Freedom Campaign calls on South Africans to reflect on the country’s democratic journey while recommitting themselves to the work that still lies ahead in building a more equal, inclusive and prosperous society.
“The Milestones of Freedom Campaign calls on us to honour the past, draw strength from it, and deliver the future our people deserve,” said Deputy Minister Morolong.
As part of his address, Deputy Minister Morolong highlighted government’s land restitution programme, noting that more than 83 000 land claims have been settled nationally since 1995, including 16 903 claims in KwaZulu-Natal, restoring nearly 890 000 hectares of land.
He also pointed to improvements in education, including the 88% national matric pass rate recorded in 2025 and KwaZulu-Natal’s record 90.6% pass rate.
Deputy Minister Morolong further acknowledged the role of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government Head of Communications, Mr Bongani Gina, said the campaign provides an important opportunity for South Africans to reflect on key historical milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March.
He said these milestones reaffirm government’s commitment to ethical leadership, responsive service delivery and building a capable state that serves communities with dignity and accountability.
Mr Gina also called on South Africans to honour the legacy of Chief Albert Luthuli and the country’s freedom heroes by working together to build a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
As the country prepares to commemorate Women’s Day, Mr Gina paid tribute to the women of 1956 and recognised the vital role women continue to play in building a better South Africa.
The launch was attended by iLembe District Municipality Mayor, Councillor Thobani Shandu, KwaDukuza Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Sduduzo Richfield Gumede, members of the Luthuli family, traditional leaders, Umfolozi TVET College management and students.
The Milestones of Freedom Campaign reaffirmed the importance of remembering South Africa’s past while strengthening collective action towards dignity, opportunity, unity and progress for all.