President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation in the coming days on the country’s ongoing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis, including the recent killings of women in Ekurhuleni.
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Reports from the Presidency confirmed that President Ramaphosa intends to brief South Africans on the investigations into the deaths and the government’s broader response to gender-based violence.
The announcement comes as public concern continues to grow following the discovery of the bodies of nine women in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
The President spoke strongly about the crisis during the 2026 National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Ramaphosa condemned violence against women and said he was ashamed of what men were doing to women. He also indicated that he would address South Africans on the Ekurhuleni investigations.
BREAKING NEWS | “In a few days, I will address the nation on the steps government is taking to confront gender-based violence and provide an update on the investigation into the killings of women,” says Cyril Ramaphosa. pic.twitter.com/kT1CGc02sG
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 24, 2026
Focus on Ekurhuleni killings
The deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni have intensified calls for urgent action against GBVF. Police have been investigating whether the cases are connected, while authorities have also been working to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.
The ninth victim was found in Villa Liza, Boksburg. Police have said the case appears to have a possible connection to a love triangle, although investigations remain ongoing. Three people have since been arrested in connection with that murder.
Ramaphosa previously directed law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigations, with a multidisciplinary specialised investigation team established to coordinate the cases.
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Government under pressure to act
The planned address comes amid growing demands for stronger measures to protect women and girls and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
The government has acknowledged concerns about the country’s response to GBVF. Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga recently said the government would intensify its response to gender-based violence and femicide.
Ramaphosa has also previously acknowledged that the government needs to take responsibility for the lack of progress in combating GBV. More recently, he has spoken about increasing funding, resources, and technology to tackle the crisis.
The President’s upcoming address is therefore expected to provide an update on the Ekurhuleni investigations and outline the government’s response to the wider GBVF crisis.
The Presidency is expected to announce further details about the address’s date and format.
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Featured image: X/@NehandaRadio
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