With South Africa moving towards the 50th anniversary of Youth Day, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong has highlighted the importance of the Milestones of Freedom Campaign, which government will launch next week.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during an engagement with the Free State Provincial Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province.
“Part of the reason why we are here is to present the Milestones of Freedom Campaign. It is a government-wide initiative coordinated by the GCIS [Government Communication and Information System] under the theme: ‘Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future,’” he said on Wednesday.
Minister Morolong added that the campaign seeks to commemorate significant milestones in South Africa’s journey to freedom while also reaffirming government’s commitment to improve the lives of all citizens.
“It honours the sacrifices of those who fought for liberation, promotes deeper understanding of our democratic history, and encourages active citizenship particularly among young people. This is significant as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Student Uprising,” said Morolong.
Government will launch the Milestones of Freedom Campaign on 18 June at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Cabinet has approved a year-long programme aimed at celebrating constitutional values, strengthening civic participation and promoting social cohesion.
READ | Milestones of Freedom Campaign to commemorate several landmark anniversaries in SA's history
On Friday, Cabinet called on all sectors of society to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
This as the country is currently commemorating Youth Month which is observed annually in June and will be commemorated on Youth Day on 16 June. Cabinet said the month provides an opportunity to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while reflecting on the progress made in expanding opportunities for younger generations in a democratic South Africa.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied on his visit by delegates from the GCIS, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA). -SAnews.gov.za
