Ramaphosa: Abuse, rape and killing of women not our heritage

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the abuse, rape, and killing of women in South Africa is not part of the country’s heritage. Speaking at the 1956 Women’s Day commemoration at the Union Buildings, the President emphasized that such violence contradicts the values for which the women of 1956 fought.

Not how women dress or how they behave – that cannot be a justification. Not because some favour is given to them, not because they leave a relationship, and not because they are a junior employee.

The President further stressed that gender-based violence and femicide is not a “woman’s problem,” but rather a societal issue driven by violent men. He called upon all men and boys to take responsibility and actively stand against the scourge, urging them to say “not in my name” regarding violence against women.