Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, and Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, will on Friday, 14 August 2026, lead the Mpumalanga launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the Nomoya Masilela Cultural Precinct in Bethal, Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga.
The Milestones of Freedom campaign is a public service delivery and civic engagement programme that commemorates key milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, while strengthening public participation and accelerating integrated government service delivery.
Following the national launch in June 2026, the campaign has entered its provincial roll-out, with activities already held in Gauteng, the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
The Nomoya Masilela Cultural Precinct provides an appropriate setting for the Mpumalanga launch, given its significance in preserving the history and legacy of South Africa’s liberation struggle.
The precinct and museum honour the memory of Nomoya Masilela, a young freedom fighter who was killed by apartheid security forces in 1985 while on her way home from school. Her death occurred during a period of intensified political unrest that preceded the declaration of a nationwide State of Emergency by the apartheid government.
The museum also pays tribute to prominent figures in the liberation struggle, including Richard Gert Sibande, Nokuthula Simelane, Ruth First and Henry “Mr Drum” Nxumalo.
Ahead of the launch, government representatives and stakeholders will undertake multi-stakeholder cleaning and greening activities at the precinct as part of efforts to promote active citizenship and encourage communities to preserve and take pride in heritage sites.
As part of the campaign’s focus on intergenerational dialogue and historical consciousness, Deputy Minister Morolong and MEC Thomo will tour the museum with approximately 30 learners from a local school. The engagement seeks to ensure that young people understand the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom and democracy and appreciate their role in safeguarding the gains of democracy.
Members of the media are invited to cover the events as follows:
09h00: Wreath-laying ceremony at the Nokuthula Simelane and Gert Sibande statues at the Bethal Cultural Precinct. The ceremony will be attended by family members, district and local leadership, and members of the community.
11h00: Intergenerational dialogue, during which Deputy Minister Morolong will deliver the keynote address. The dialogue will provide a platform for young people and community members to reflect on South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy and the responsibility of current and future generations to safeguard the country’s democratic gains.
Following the dialogue Deputy Minister Morolong and MEC Thomo, will engage with members of the media.
The Milestones of Freedom campaign encourages South Africans to reflect on the country’s history, honour the sacrifices made by previous generations and draw lessons from the past to strengthen the country’s democratic future.
Members of the media are invited to cover the launch and are requested to confirm attendance with:
Ishmael Selemale: 073 163 1123
Livhuwani Todani: 076 404 2703
Enquiries
Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 653 7485
William Baloyi
Deputy Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 390 7147
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