Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Ramaphosa set to address the nation on GBVF crisis and Ekurhuleni killings

1d By Chumasande Matiwane

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation later this evening, at 19:00 on 29 September 2026, as the government faces mounting concern over gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and the recent killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.

Also see: Cyril Ramaphosa’s Kempton Park serial killings address sparks outrage

The address comes after a series of women’s bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July.  

According to Associated Press, police said on Monday that the latest discovery brought the number of women whose bodies had been found in the area to 11.  

President expected to outline the government’s response

The Presidency has confirmed that Ramaphosa’s address will focus on the steps government is taking to confront GBVF and provide an update on investigations into the murders of women in and around the City of Ekurhuleni.  

The address follows Ramaphosa’s comments during the National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn last week, where he condemned violence against women and said the abuse, rape and killing of women could not be regarded as part of South Africa’s heritage.  

He also committed to updating the public on the government’s response and the investigations into the Ekurhuleni killing. 

Also see: Cyril Ramaphosa mourns King Makhosonke II’s death

Emergency strategy

The government’s response includes work by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which has approved a Comprehensive Emergency Strategy aimed at accelerating efforts to bring perpetrators of GBVF-related killings to justice.  

Ramaphosa’s address is therefore expected to provide South Africans with further details on the government’s plans, as well as an update on the investigations into the Ekurhuleni murders. 

The President’s address is scheduled for 19:00 on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. 

Also see: President Cyril Ramaphosa to address Ekurhuleni killings and GBV crisis

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