Cyril Ramaphosa’s golf outing sparks outrage as SA reels from deadly women’s killings

President Cyril Ramaphosa has faced a wave of public backlash after being photographed playing golf while the nation grapples with a series of brutal killings targeting women. The images, which circulated on social media, drew sharp criticism from citizens and activists who argued that the President’s leisure activity was insensitive given the escalating crisis of gender-based violence and femicide in the country.

The President’s decision to hit the golf course while families are mourning and communities are living in fear is a slap in the face to every woman in South Africa.

The outrage comes as police continue to investigate a string of murders in the Ekurhuleni area, where at least 12 women have been killed in recent weeks. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a serial killer, heightening anxiety across the region. Critics have contrasted the President’s public appearances at sporting events with the urgent need for a more visible and decisive government response to the safety of women.

In response to the growing pressure, the Presidency has announced that President Ramaphosa will address the nation to outline the government’s strategy for tackling gender-based violence and provide an update on the ongoing investigations into the Ekurhuleni murders. The administration has maintained that it is treating the situation as a top priority, with the President previously stating that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice for the victims.