Ramaphosa promises update on GBV response in Heritage Day speech - IOL

President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to take decisive action against GBV, during his Heritage Day address on Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his keynote Heritage Day address to reflect and again take a firm stand against the country's gender-based violence scourge, currently gripping the nation.

Speaking during the national Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, in the scenic Little Karoo, Ramaphosa's remarks came in the wake of a disturbing increase in violent crimes, particularly those affecting women.

In recent weeks alone, over 10 women have been reported as victims of heinous acts in Ekurhuleni and other regions across the nation.

Ramaphosa joined South Africans in Oudtshoorn for the 2026 National Heritage Day celebrations, held under the theme "Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us", where he vowed to take decisive action against the scourge.

He said: "In a few days, I will address the nation on the steps the government is taking to confront gender-based violence and provide an update on the investigation into the killings of women." 

Ramaphosa also honoured and celebrated the country's diversity. On Thursday, Ramaphosa commemorated South Africa’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, honouring the nation's diversity amidst its complex history.

The President reflected on the profound influence of the Khoi and San peoples, the original custodians of the land and its narratives, saying that despite the country's dark past, South Africa remains a country of unity in diversity.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture was one of the prominent leaders during South Africa's official Heritage Day celebrations in the Little Karoo on Thursday.

"Today, we pay tribute to our Khoi and San ancestors, and to all our forebearers who birthed our many languages and traditions. This region connects us to a human story stretching back thousands of years. We recognise our country’s Living Human Treasures, as well as the traditional practitioners, the storytellers and musicians, the healers, craftspeople, and knowledge holders," he said.

He emphasised the importance of recognising the Living Human Treasures of South Africa, including traditional practitioners, storytellers, musicians, healers, and craftspeople who shape the country’s cultural landscape.

"Oudtshoorn and Southern Cape bear testimony to a proud history of struggle in both the coloured and black communities of this region, under the banner of the United Democratic Front (UDF). We particularly honour the rich political legacies of the people of Bongolethu and Bridgton. We honour those who are preserving our natural heritage for the benefit of future generations, and we pledge to support this effort through the National Greening Campaign," he added.

Reflecting on the country's struggle for freedom, which has endured more than three decades since the dawn of democracy, he said: "We must remember apartheid. We must remember forced removals.

"We must remember the humiliation of people who were told that they could not live where they chose, work where they chose, love whom they chose, or even enter through the same door as another South African - because of the colour of their skin," he affirmed.