Ramaphosa promises to address the country on GBV and Ekurhuleni killings

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation in the coming days on government’s response to gender-based violence and the investigation into the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.

Ramaphosa announced during his National Heritage Day address at Bongolethu Sports Stadium in Oudtshoorn on Thursday, where he said violence against women could not form part of the country’s heritage.

“In a few days, I will address the nation on the steps government is taking to confront gender-based violence, and to update South Africans on the investigation into the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni,” Ramaphosa said.

“The abuse, rape and killing of women is not our heritage.”

He said there was no culture that justified diminishing the dignity of women and described the suffering experienced by women in South Africa as a national shame.

“There is no culture worthy of the name that diminishes the dignity of women,” he said.

“The women of South Africa have the right to walk the streets of their country at any hour without fear.”

Ramaphosa said Heritage Day was about more than just celebration; it was a time to reflect on the challenges facing the nation, including unemployment, corruption, and the scourge of violence against women.