The government said the campaign will use these historic milestones to inspire renewed efforts toward nation-building, social cohesion, and development.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch the Milestones of Freedom Campaign in Tshwane on Thursday to commemorate fifty years after thousands of black schoolchildren took to the streets of Soweto to protest an apartheid educational system.
The demonstrations, famously referred to as the Soweto uprising, began on 16 June 1976 and were met with a violent police response that left hundreds dead and injured. It became a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle, drawing international attention to the brutality of the apartheid regime.
Ramaphosa says the Milestones of Freedom Campaign, themed “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future,” aims to commemorate key moments in South Africa’s democratic journey while promoting social cohesion and strengthening service delivery.
In addition to the Soweto Uprising anniversary, the campaign will commemorate the 30th anniversary of South Africa's Constitution's adoption, the 70th anniversary of the anti-pass campaign, and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.
Historical reflection
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the commemorations serve as both a reflection on the sacrifices made by previous generations and a call to continue building a more inclusive society.
"These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, while also underscoring the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society. The campaign further signals the government’s commitment to building on democratic gains and accelerating service delivery to communities," said Magwenya.
The Presidency, in a post on X, said, "President Cyril Ramaphosa will launch the Milestones of Freedom campaign on 18 June 2026, marking key moments in South Africa's democratic journey, including 30 years of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprisings, 70 years since the anti-pass campaign, and 60 years since the District Six forced removals.”
The government said the campaign will use these historic milestones to inspire renewed efforts toward nation-building, social cohesion, and development.
Leaders from government, business, civil society, and youth organisations are expected to attend the launch, which seeks to connect the lessons of South Africa’s liberation struggle with the country's future aspirations.
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