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

South African 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 of 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 (GBV) in the country.

This cannot be accepted as a normal part of life in South Africa. We must confront an uncomfortable truth. What we have done has not been enough.

The outrage comes as the government faces mounting pressure to address the high rates of femicide and violent crime. President Ramaphosa has since sought to address the concerns, emphasizing that the state is escalating its response to the recent murders, particularly those in the Ekurhuleni area, which have triggered a national-level investigation.

In his recent statements, the President acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing the violence as a stain on the national conscience. He has promised that the government will implement a multi-disciplinary strategy to ensure that cases of GBV do not go cold and that perpetrators are brought to justice.