South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence against women, labeling it a national disgrace that should never be seen as part of the country’s heritage. During his speech at the National Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s heritage should embody values like dignity, equality, and respect, in addition to its languages, traditions, and customs.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of women being able to move freely and safely without the threat of violence, explicitly stating that no cultural tradition should compromise the dignity of women. His comments come amid ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and the killing of women in South Africa.
The president announced that the government plans to provide an update on initiatives aimed at combating gender-based violence and ongoing investigations into recent murders in the Ekurhuleni area. He called for unified efforts to confront various national challenges, including gender-based violence, unemployment, corruption, and substance abuse.
Ramaphosa highlighted the principles of unity, ubuntu, and human dignity as essential guides in creating a safer and more inclusive South Africa. His remarks aim to rally collective action and bring about meaningful change in addressing these pressing issues.