JUST IN: Ramaphosa to address SA tonight – here’s what time

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address South Africans as government faces growing pressure to act against gender-based violence and the recent killings of women in Gauteng.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed the address during a briefing on Cabinet’s latest meeting.

Ramaphosa is expected to outline government’s response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and update the country on investigations into the recent murders of women in and around Ekurhuleni.

Ramaphosa to address Ekurhuleni murders

A series of brutal killings across Gauteng has intensified concern over the safety of women and put renewed pressure on authorities to deliver answers.

Ramaphosa announced the planned national address during Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn on Thursday, 24 September.

He said he would update South Africans on government’s response to GBV and investigations into the killings.

“In a few days I will address the nation on the steps the government is taking to confront GBV,” Ramaphosa said.

Police are investigating several cases after authorities found women’s bodies across Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas in recent weeks.

The killings have sparked public outrage and increased calls for police to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

Government under pressure over GBV

Ramaphosa condemned the abuse, rape and murder of women during his Heritage Day address and said women should be able to move freely without fearing for their lives.

He said South Africa could not accept violence against women as a normal part of society.

Government has classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster, a move aimed at strengthening coordination and prioritising the country’s response to the crisis.

Cabinet has also urged communities to report domestic violence and abuse and give police information that could help investigators arrest perpetrators.

Ntshavheni said government had spent several months examining the GBV crisis, including patterns involving sexual offences and perpetrators.