The Limpopo leg of the national Milestones of Freedom Campaign has been launched at the University of Limpopo’s Turfloop Campus, with Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong calling on South Africans to honour the country’s history while working towards a better future.
Morolong delivered the keynote address at the launch on Tuesday, where he reflected on four significant milestones in South Africa’s history — 30 years of the democratic Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six.
The campaign is being held under the theme “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future.”
Morolong highlighted the University of Limpopo’s historic role in the struggle against apartheid, particularly the contribution of students at the then University of the North, known as Turfloop.
He recalled the role played by Black Consciousness activists, including Steve Biko and former student leader Abram Onkgopotse Tiro, whose activism at Turfloop contributed to the broader struggle against apartheid.
Morolong said the legacy of the 1976 generation places a responsibility on young people today to pursue economic freedom, particularly amid high youth unemployment, poverty and inequality.
He also highlighted the contribution of women from Limpopo to the liberation struggle, including Charlotte Maxeke, Lilian Ngoyi and Ethel Leisa, saying their courage helped shape democratic South Africa.
The Deputy Minister further reflected on the impact of forced removals in Limpopo, including the experiences of communities such as Madimbo, Tshikota and Makuleke.
The University of Limpopo was selected as the venue for the provincial launch because of its history of student activism, political consciousness and resistance to apartheid. The programme also included a guided tour of historic sites on campus and the lighting of the Torch of Freedom ceremony at Thami Square.
Morolong has officially declared the Milestones of Freedom Campaign launched in Limpopo.
