Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr. Kenny Morolong, officially launched the Milestones of Freedom Campaign in Bloemfontein on Thursday, marking a significant national initiative. The campaign, themed “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future,” is designed to serve a dual purpose: to commemorate key historical events that shaped South Africa's democratic journey, while simultaneously noting and fostering future development within the Free State province. The decision to inaugurate this campaign in Bloemfontein shows the Free State's deep historical roots and its ongoing role in the nation's progress. This initiative aims to draw connections between the struggles and triumphs of the past and the aspirations for a prosperous and equitable future for all citizens.
Commemorating Key Historical Anniversaries and Free State's Contributions
The Milestones of Freedom Campaign is structured around the recognition of four particularly significant anniversaries that collectively tell the story of South Africa's path to democracy. These include the commemoration of 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, a foundational document for the nation's legal and social framework; 50 years since the 1976 youth uprising, a watershed moment in the struggle against apartheid; 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March, which saw thousands of women protest against oppressive pass laws; and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six, a stark reminder of the injustices of spatial apartheid.
Beyond these national milestones, the campaign also specifically notes key historical events that occurred within the Free State itself, showcasing the province's unique contributions to the broader liberation movement. A foundational moment occurred in 1912, when African leaders convened at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Bloemfontein under the visionary leadership of Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme. This gathering was instrumental in laying the groundwork for what would become the African National Congress, demonstrating the Free State's role as a crucible for early political organization. A year later, in 1913, the province again demonstrated its spirit of resistance when 5,000 women in the Orange Free State signed a petition opposing discriminatory pass laws and actively conducted protests in Bloemfontein. This early act of defiance by women in the province showed their commitment to justice and equality. The Free State's representation in national struggles is exemplified by Annie Clorence Peters, who proudly represented the Free State during the iconic 1956 Women’s March, adding her voice to the chorus of women demanding freedom. The campaign also includes the deeply symbolic repatriation of the remains of Free State activists Mahlomola Leoatle and Sabata Thauthau, which are being brought back for reburial in Bloemfontein. This act serves as a poignant tribute to their sacrifices and ensures their legacy is honored in their home province.
Progress in Free State Households and Quality of Life
The campaign not only looks to the past but also notes tangible progress in improving the quality of life for residents across the Free State. Data indicates significant advancements in household living conditions and access to essential services. In the Free State, a substantial 88.5% of households reside in formal dwellings, reflecting ongoing efforts in housing development and infrastructure. This high percentage signifies a move towards more stable and secure living environments for a majority of the provincial population.
Access to essential services has also shown remarkable progress across the province. Data indicates that 94.6% of households in the Free State have access to electricity for lighting purposes, a critical component for education, safety, and economic activity. 92.2% of households within the Free State have piped water available either inside their homes or directly within their yards. This widespread access to clean, piped water is fundamental for public health and daily convenience. These figures collectively highlight considerable improvements in living conditions and the provision of basic infrastructure for residents across the province, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the well-being of its communities.
Educational Achievements and Future Readiness
Educational progress stands as a cornerstone of the Free State's development narrative, with notable achievements pointing towards a brighter future. The province has seen a remarkable increase in the matric pass rate, which rose significantly from 69% in 2009 to an impressive 89.33% in 2025. This sustained improvement reflects a dedicated and focused effort on enhancing secondary education outcomes within the province, providing more young people with opportunities for higher education and employment. Further illustrating academic strength and specialized excellence, Makwane Secondary School has maintained an extraordinary 100% pass rate in Physical Science for nine consecutive years, a testament to its consistent high standards and effective teaching methodologies in critical STEM fields.
Beyond traditional academic metrics, the Free State has also seen achievements in specialized fields that prepare learners for the demands of a modern, technological world. Six talented learners from Sentinel Primary School in QwaQwa had the distinct honour of representing South Africa at a prestigious robotics competition held in Singapore. These students showcased their innovative skills and problem-solving abilities on an international platform, noting the emergence of significant talent in technology and engineering within the province. Early Childhood Development (ECD) attendance figures also indicate an area of continued focus and investment, with the 2025 General Household Survey recording the Free State’s ECD attendance rate at 48.5%. This figure shows the importance placed on foundational learning, aiming to provide young children with a strong start to their educational journey and fostering a culture of lifelong learning from an early age. The "Milestones of Freedom" campaign thus serves as a full platform to acknowledge historical struggles, celebrate current achievements, and inspire continued progress towards a thriving Free State.
