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On Thursday, the President delivered the National Heritage Day keynote address under the theme “Celebrating South Africa’s Living Human Treasures.”
FILE: President Cyril Ramaphosa. Image: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday that future generations should be able to inherit a democracy that affirms their dignity.
Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address for National Heritage Day under the theme Celebrating South Africa’s Living Human Treasures.
The president outlined the government’s plans to honor three prominent women, namely Dr. Esther Mahlangu, Madosini Latozi Mpahleni, and Ouma Katrina Letsau, who had dedicated their lives to strengthening South Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems.
Ramaphosa also said that this month would be dedicated to combating the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV).
“Abusing women is not our tradition or our custom. It is not, and never will be, our inheritance, ”Ramaphosa said.
“Throughout the history of this continent, women have built and shaped our societies. They have ruled kingdoms. They have been highly respected and valued, ”he added.
Earlier this week, Police Minister Bheki Cele announced a list of the top 30 gender-based violence hotspots in South Africa.
He said the list had been compiled based on nine key variables, including the number of reported cases and the number of calls received related to domestic violence.
Ramaphosa said that the country could not be free unless women were free.
“We must put an end to this terrible shame that is staining the image of our country. When you oppress a woman, you oppress a nation. When you hit a woman, you hit a nation, ”said the president.
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