President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address South Africans on Tuesday evening regarding the government's response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as well as the ongoing investigations into the murders of women in and around Ekurhuleni. The address is scheduled to take place at 7pm on September 29, 2026. This move comes amid growing concern over the safety of women in the country, with GBVF remaining a pressing national issue.

The national address is expected to focus on the steps being taken by the government to combat GBVF, an issue that has continued to raise concerns about women's safety. The government has faced increasing pressure to provide a comprehensive response to the GBVF crisis, and Ramaphosa's address is seen as a crucial step in addressing these concerns. The Presidency has announced that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will provide a broadcast feed to media organisations, while the address will also be livestreamed on the Presidency's digital platforms.

The address comes on the back of a recent surge in violence against women in Ekurhuleni, where 11 women's bodies have reportedly been discovered since July. The murders have sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for swift action to be taken by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ramaphosa is also expected to provide an update on investigations into the murders of women in and around the City of Ekurhuleni.

According to police, a 23-year-old woman was shot dead in an apparent robbery in Thembisa, becoming the 12th woman killed in Ekurhuleni. The incident has further heightened concerns over the safety of women in the area and has underscored the need for urgent action to address the GBVF crisis. The government has assured the public that it is working tirelessly to investigate the murders and bring those responsible to justice.

The national address by Ramaphosa is seen as a critical step in addressing the GBVF crisis and providing a comprehensive response to the concerns of the public. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the GBVF crisis, with many arguing that more needs to be done to protect women and prevent further violence. Ramaphosa's address is expected to provide a detailed overview of the government's plans to address GBVF and ensure women's safety.

The GBVF crisis has had a profound impact on women across South Africa, with many calling for greater action to be taken to prevent further violence. The government has implemented various measures aimed at addressing GBVF, including the establishment of a national task force to investigate GBVF-related crimes. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of GBVF and ensure that women are protected from violence.

Ramaphosa's national address is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the government's response to GBVF and the investigations into the Ekurhuleni women's murders. The address will be closely watched by the public, with many hoping that it will provide a clear plan of action to address the GBVF crisis and ensure women's safety. The government has assured the public that it is committed to addressing GBVF and ensuring that those responsible for violence against women are brought to justice.

Key points

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver national address on government's response to GBVF and Ekurhuleni women's murders.
  • The address is expected to focus on steps being taken by the government to combat GBVF and provide an update on investigations into the Ekurhuleni women's murders.
  • The GBVF crisis has had a profound impact on women across South Africa, with many calling for greater action to be taken to prevent further violence.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.