South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced violence against women as a national disgrace, emphasizing that abuse, rape, and the murder of women should not be regarded as part of South Africa’s heritage. His remarks were made during the National Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, where he highlighted the need for the country’s heritage to embody values such as dignity, equality, and respect, alongside its diverse languages, traditions, and customs.
Ramaphosa underscored the importance of women being able to move freely and safely without the fear of violence, stressing that no cultural tradition should compromise their dignity. His comments come amid ongoing concerns in South Africa over gender-based violence and the killing of women, issues that have drawn significant attention both nationally and internationally.
The President announced that the government would soon provide an update on the measures being implemented to combat gender-based violence, as well as on investigations into recent killings in and around Ekurhuleni. These measures are part of a broader commitment to address the pervasive issue of violence against women in the country.
Ramaphosa also called for collective action to tackle other pressing challenges facing South Africa, including unemployment, corruption, and substance abuse. He emphasized the role of unity, ubuntu, and human dignity in guiding efforts to create a safer and more inclusive society, urging all South Africans to work together in confronting these issues.