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 during national commemorations, the President emphasized that such acts of violence are a direct contradiction to the values of freedom and equality that the nation fought to achieve.

Gender-based violence and femicide is not a woman’s problem. It is a problem of society. It is a problem of violent men. Overcoming this scourge, therefore, demands that men and boys must step forward and say ‘not in my name’.

The President’s remarks come as the country continues to grapple with high rates of gender-based violence, with the government renewing its commitment to implementing stricter measures and fostering a societal shift in how men and boys perceive and treat women. Ramaphosa highlighted that the struggle for democracy was built on the contributions of women, and that their safety is a fundamental requirement for a truly free society.