President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering the keynote address on Heritage Day, announced that he will soon brief the nation on measures being taken to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
The announcement follows the recent spate of killings of women, whose bodies were discovered in the Ekurhuleni Municipality over the past few weeks.
Addressing community members and officials in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, President Ramaphosa declared that violence against women is unacceptable.
“Violence against women will not be part of the inheritance we leave to the next generation of South Africans. We must work together as South Africans to bring gender-based violence to an end. Women must be able to move freely and enjoy the gains of democracy without fearing being killed or raped,” Ramaphosa said.
He called on traditional leaders to work together to promote positive masculinity and help build safer communities for women and children.
Ramaphosa also urged citizens to lead with Ubuntu and remain resilient in finding solutions to some of the country’s persistent socio-economic challenges.
He said drawing inspiration from South Africa’s forebears would help preserve and restore the values of the Republic.
