EASTERN CAPE NEWS - Government’s Milestones of Freedom campaign moved to the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, with communities called on to work together to end gender-based violence and femicide.
The Eastern Cape leg of the campaign began with a wreath-laying ceremony in Hankey, honouring the life and legacy of Sarah Baartman.
Sarah Baartman’s legacy highlights ongoing fight for women’s rights
Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Nonkgubeka Pieters has called on South Africans to recognise women’s rights as fundamental human rights.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pieters called on men, government, communities, traditional leaders, church leaders and other stakeholders to join forces in the fight against GBVF.
“What happened to Sarah Baartman is the same thing that is happening to women today. Sarah Baartman was humiliated as a black woman because they did not see her as a human being,” Pieters said.
She said some men continue to treat women as objects rather than human beings, contributing to violence against women.
“This must come to an end,” Pieters said, calling on men to protect women and children and help end the scourge of gender-based violence.
70 years since Women’s March
The campaign also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March against apartheid pass laws.
Pieters said the women who marched in 1956 were fighting for freedom and dignity, not to face abuse and violence.
“We are here to celebrate 70 years of the Women’s March. Women did not march to be abused; they marched to be free,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of creating a different future for generations to come, free from the oppression experienced under the apartheid regime.
“If we talk of freedom and human rights, we are talking of women’s rights – women have human rights as citizens of this country, women must be treated with respect,” Pieters said.
Milestones of Freedom campaign marks key moments in South Africa’s history
The year-long national campaign is highlighting major milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey while promoting social cohesion and national pride.
The Milestones of Freedom campaign is being held under the theme “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is taking the campaign to provinces following its national launch by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 18 June 2026.
The campaign aims to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage South Africans to reflect on the country’s journey to democracy.
Key milestones being commemorated during 2026 include:
- 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution.
- 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising.
- 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March against pass laws.
- 60 years since the forced removals from District Six.
The campaign was held in KwaZulu-Natal last week under the leadership of Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong.
The Eastern Cape leg continues the national drive to connect South Africa’s historical milestones with the challenges facing communities today, including the urgent need to end GBVF.
— SAnews.gov.za
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