President Ramaphosa condemns violence against women in South Africa — Daily Maverick

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, condemned violence against women, calling the suffering of women in the country a national shame. His statement came after the bodies of nine women were found in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng province.

As Daily Maverick reports, Ramaphosa said that the abuse, rape and murder of women cannot be part of the country’s heritage. According to him, South African women have the right to walk the streets without fear at any time.

Address on combating violence

The president said that in the coming days he would address the nation on the government’s steps to combat gender-based violence. He also promised to provide information on the progress of the investigation into the killings of women in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas.

Ramaphosa stressed that violence against women must not become a legacy that society leaves to the next generation.

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Inequality in society

Speaking at Bongolethu Sport Stadium, the president also said that South Africans still have unequal access to freedom. He compared the situation of children born into wealthy and poor families, as well as residents of safe communities and areas where people fear crime every day.

According to Ramaphosa, inequality is also evident in access to electricity, water, education, technology and opportunities. He specifically noted that men can walk the streets without fear, while women are forced to constantly think about their own safety.

The president added that Heritage Day is dedicated to the languages, songs, food, clothing, customs and knowledge preserved by the country’s citizens. He called for this knowledge to be passed on to future generations and for people to remember the historical experience of enslavement, colonialism, apartheid and forced removals.