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 Women’s Day commemorations, the President emphasized that such acts of violence are a societal crisis that demands urgent intervention.

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’.

Ramaphosa highlighted that the historic 1956 Women’s March was a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom and justice, and that modern-day violence against women contradicts the values for which those women fought. He urged communities to stop turning a blind eye to abuse and called for a collective effort to hold perpetrators accountable.

The President’s remarks come amidst ongoing national concerns regarding the high rates of gender-based violence in the country, with the government pledging to implement stricter measures and audits to ensure the safety of women in public spaces.