South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt address to the nation on September 29, 2026, expressing his deepest concern and outrage over the recent surge in gender-based violence and femicide. He spoke as a leader, a husband, and a father to daughters, emphasizing that no man should turn a blind eye to the violence inflicted upon women in the country. The President acknowledged the nation's anger and grief, sharing the pain of lives senselessly cut short.
The President provided an update on the Ekurhuleni murders investigation, where 11 women's bodies have been found since July. He announced that arrests have been made in connection with some of these murders, including the killing of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, Jabulile Ntimba, and Busisiwe Mahlangu. A specialized multidisciplinary investigation has been elevated to the national level, bringing together detectives, Crime Intelligence, forensic specialists, and other experts to bring those responsible to justice.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the government is committed to doing better in preventing women from being killed and making them safe in their homes, streets, public transport, workplaces, and places of learning. He acknowledged that the current efforts have not been enough to change the attitudes and behavior that enable violence against women. The President stressed that the nation must confront the uncomfortable truth that gender-based violence is a national shame that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response.
The President highlighted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide has approved a comprehensive emergency response to address the crisis. The government has reprioritized resources and strengthened coordination since gender-based violence and femicide was classified as a national disaster last year. Ramaphosa appealed to members of the public to report any information that may assist in the investigations, emphasizing that hours, information, photographs, vehicle registration numbers, and observations matter.
Ramaphosa noted that the killings in Ekurhuleni are receiving attention at the highest level of government and law enforcement. He assured the families of the victims that the state is working tirelessly to establish what happened and identify those responsible. The President emphasized that the government will continue to provide the public with information as the investigations progress, without compromising the investigations or the rights of those involved.
The President acknowledged that the nation is facing a crisis that requires a multifaceted approach. He emphasized that policing alone cannot solve the problem and that the government must work to prevent violence before it happens. Ramaphosa called on all parts of government to direct attention and resources to areas where women are under siege from gender-based violence.
The President concluded by emphasizing that the government is determined to address the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide. He urged the nation to work together to create a society where women can live without fear of violence. The President's address was a call to action, emphasizing that the nation must do better to protect its women and ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.
Key points
- The South African government has reprioritized resources and strengthened coordination to address the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.
- President Ramaphosa has appealed to members of the public to report any information that may assist in the investigations into the Ekurhuleni murders.
- The government has elevated the investigation into the Ekurhuleni murders to the national level, bringing together experts from various fields to bring those responsible to justice.
