South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence against women as a national disgrace, emphasizing that it should not be regarded as part of the country’s cultural heritage. During a speech at the National Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, Ramaphosa underscored that South Africa’s heritage should embody values such as dignity, equality, and respect, in addition to its languages, traditions, and customs.
Addressing the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in the country, Ramaphosa asserted that women should have the freedom to move safely without the fear of violence, and no cultural tradition should compromise their dignity. His comments come amid persistent concerns over the abuse, rape, and killing of women in South Africa.
The President announced that the government would soon provide an update on its initiatives to combat gender-based violence and the status of investigations into recent killings in and around Ekurhuleni. He called for collective societal action to tackle not only gender-based violence but also other pressing issues such as unemployment, corruption, and substance abuse.
Ramaphosa urged citizens to unite under the principles of unity, ubuntu, and human dignity, to foster a safer and more inclusive society. His remarks highlight the government’s recognition of the severity of gender-based violence and the commitment to addressing it as a critical national priority.