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 National Women’s Day commemoration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa addressed the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.

The abuse, the rape and the killing of women is not our heritage. It is a blight on our nation that we must collectively confront and eradicate.

The President emphasized that the struggle for freedom is incomplete as long as women live in fear. He called upon all sectors of society, particularly men, to take active responsibility in changing the culture of violence.

We must ensure that our homes, our streets and our workplaces are safe for all women. We cannot claim to be a free society when half of our population is subjected to such brutality.

Ramaphosa further committed the government to strengthening the justice system to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive the necessary support and protection.