Milestones of Freedom Campaign Brings Government Closer to the People in Hankey

The Sarah Baartman District Municipality joined the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and GCIS in Hankey for the Provincial Launch of the Milestones of Freedom Campaign, a two-day programme held on 11 and 12 August 2026 at the Vusumzi Landu Community Hall.

Held under the national theme “Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future,” the Milestones of Freedom Campaign is a year-long, interdepartmental government programme commemorating South Africa’s democratic journey, celebrating the achievements of freedom and encouraging active citizen participation in building a united, inclusive and prosperous society.

The first day featured a Young Women Entrepreneur Network Breakfast, held during Women’s Month and marking 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March. The programme celebrated the courage and contribution of women in South Africa’s history while focusing on the empowerment of young women entrepreneurs under the theme “Empowered Women Empower the Nation.”

The programme also paid tribute to Sarah Baartman with an official visit to her gravesite in Hankey, led by the local Khoi-San traditional leaders.

Day Two focused on Services on Wheels, bringing government departments and services directly to the Hankey community. Residents were able to access information, assistance and a range of government services in one central location, reinforcing the commitment to bringing government closer to the people.

The event was particularly significant for the Sarah Baartman District, with Hankey being home to the burial site of Sarah Baartman, whose life remains an important reminder of the country's painful history and the importance of human dignity, equality and human rights.

The two-day programme demonstrated that celebrating freedom is not only about reflecting on the past, but also about taking practical steps to improve the lives of communities.

Through initiatives such as the Milestones of Freedom Campaign and Services on Wheels, government continues to encourage communities to become active participants in democracy and to work together towards a better future.