Government’s Milestones of Democracy campaign moved to the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, with communities called on to work together to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The Eastern Cape leg started with wreath-laying in honour of Sarah Baartman in Hankey.
Speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony, Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Nonkgubeka Pieters called on men, government, communities, traditional leaders, church leaders and others to join hands in the fight against gender-based violence.
“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.
“Some men do not see women as human beings, but see them as objects. That is why it is so easy for them to kill a woman,” Pieters said.
This must come to an end, she said, adding that men must do the right thing and protect women and children and end this scourge.
“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.
The Milestones of Freedom campaign is a year-long programme held under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is rolling out the Milestones of Freedom campaign to provinces, following its national launch by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 18 June 2026.
The campaign seeks to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage reflection on South Africa’s democratic journey by highlighting key milestones the country is commemorating this year.
These include the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March against pass laws, and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.
Last week, the campaign was held in KwaZulu-Natal under the leadership of Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong.
Pieters emphasised the need to change the future so that generations to come do not feel what was felt under the oppressive 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.” – SAnews.gov.za
