Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will soon address the nation on government’s response to gender-based violence (GBV) and investigations into the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.
Speaking at the National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, on Thursday, Ramaphosa said government would provide an update on the investigations and measures being taken to confront GBV.
Nine women’s bodies have been discovered in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas over the past two months. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with one of the cases.
Ramaphosa said he had directed that the investigations be treated as a high priority, with a multi-disciplinary specialised team supporting the probe.
“The heritage of our women is that they must be able to walk around without any fear that they will be attacked or raped or killed,” he said.
“In a few days I will address the nation on the steps the government is taking to confront GBV and update our people on the investigations into the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.”
Ramaphosa said violence against women could not be accepted as part of South Africa’s heritage.
“The abuse, rape and killing of women is not our heritage. There is no culture worthy of the name that diminishes the dignity of women.”
He described GBV as one of the country’s major challenges and called for collective action to build a safer society.
“It is profoundly unequally lived by a man who can walk the streets without fear, and a woman who must constantly consider whether she will be safe.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
