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 he was photographed playing golf while the nation grapples with a series of brutal killings targeting women. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from activists and citizens who argue that the President’s leisure activities are insensitive given the current climate of fear and violence 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 follows the discovery of multiple bodies in the Ekurhuleni area, east of Johannesburg, which has led to widespread calls for more decisive government action against gender-based violence and femicide. Critics have contrasted the President’s public appearance on the golf course with the urgency required to address the safety of women, who are facing alarmingly high rates of violence.

President Ramaphosa has since sought to address the growing crisis, promising that no stone will be left unturned in the investigations into the recent murders. He has acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that the government’s previous efforts to curb such violence have been insufficient and that a more robust, funded plan is necessary to protect vulnerable citizens.