South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence against women as a national disgrace, asserting that abuse, rape, and the killing of women should not be seen as part of the country’s heritage. Speaking at the National Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s heritage should embody values of dignity, equality, and respect, along with its diverse languages, traditions, and customs.
Ramaphosa’s comments come amid ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and the murder of women in South Africa. He underscored that women should have the freedom to move safely and without fear of violence, stating that no cultural tradition should compromise the dignity of women.
The president also announced that the government would soon provide an update on its efforts to combat gender-based violence and the investigations into recent killings in and around Ekurhuleni. This announcement highlights the administration’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
Ramaphosa called for collective action to tackle various challenges facing the nation, including gender-based violence, unemployment, corruption, and substance abuse. He urged that unity, the concept of ubuntu, and human dignity should guide the efforts to create a safer and more inclusive South Africa.