OUDTSHOORN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his Heritage Day address to condemn gender-based violence, saying the abuse, rape and killing of women cannot be regarded as part of South Africa’s heritage or culture.
He said women must be able to move freely and safely in their own country, without fear.
"The abuse, the rape, and the killing of women is not our heritage. Our forebears did not abuse, rape, and kill the women of this country. Our forebears were against the killing and the raping of the women of South Africa.
"There is no culture worthy of a name that distinguishes the dignity of women. The pain and suffering that the women of South Africa have been put through stands out as a national shame. I am ashamed of what we men are doing to the women of South Africa.
"The women of South Africa have the right to walk the streets of their country at any hour, at any minute, without any fear. And we must make sure that they have that right and enjoy that right."