OUDTSHOORN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his National Heritage Day address to make a powerful call for South Africans to stand together against gender-based violence.
Leading Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, Ramaphosa urged citizens to draw strength from South Africa’s cultural traditions to navigate difficult times and build a better future.
He acknowledged the significant progress made since the dawn of democracy, but said challenges around inclusivity, redress and cultural democracy remain pressing.
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But amid the celebrations, the President confronted one of the country’s deepest wounds: violence against women.
“The abuse, rape and killing of women is not our heritage.”
“The pain and suffering that the women of South Africa have been put through, stands out at as a national shame. I am ashamed of what we men are doing to the women of South Africa.”
Ramaphosa said no culture should ever diminish the dignity of women, describing the suffering endured by women across South Africa as a national shame.
He stressed that women should be able to move freely and safely in their own country.
“The women of South Africa have the right to walk the streets of their country at any hour without fear.”
The President said he would address the nation within days on the steps government is taking to confront gender-based violence.
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He is also expected to provide an update on the investigation into the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.
“Violence against women will not be part of the inheritance we leave to the next generation,” Ramaphosa said.
Between July and mid‑September 2026, police have discovered at least nine murdered women across Ekurhuleni, including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and Kwa‑Thema, prompting a major murder investigation and heightened police deployment.