South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence against women, labeling it a national disgrace that should not be accepted as part of the country’s heritage. Speaking during the National Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s heritage should embody values such as dignity, equality, and respect, in addition to its languages, traditions, and customs.
Ramaphosa’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns over gender-based violence and the killing of women in South Africa. He stressed that women should be able to move freely and safely without the threat of violence, asserting that no cultural tradition should undermine their dignity. The president announced that the government would soon provide updates on measures to combat gender-based violence and investigations into recent killings in and around Ekurhuleni.
In his address, Ramaphosa called for collective action to tackle the challenges facing the nation, including gender-based violence, unemployment, corruption, and substance abuse. He urged that unity, ubuntu, and human dignity should guide efforts to build a safer and more inclusive South Africa.
Ramaphosa’s statements come at a time when the country is grappling with high rates of violence against women, an issue that has drawn both national and international concern. His call to action underscores the need for a societal shift towards protecting and upholding the rights and safety of women across South Africa.