Ramaphosa urges Khoi-San, traditional leaders to lead GBV fight

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on traditional and Khoi-San leaders to be on the frontline of fighting gender-based violence.
He was delivering the keynote address at the opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders at Parliament.
Ramaphosa reminded those in attendance that they yield influence in their areas where they must promote and protect the safety of women, children and vulnerable groups.
“As the custodians of our culture, heritage and values, traditional leaders must be at the forefront of the effort to end violence against women and children. As leaders of communities, traditional leaders can take a firm stance against those attitudes and practices that enable such violence.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosi Hlabisa, has called on traditional leaders to work with government to root out negligent customary initiation schools.
Hlabisa says over the last 10 years, 669 young men have died and 124 have had amputations.
“We will adopt zero tolerance approach on negligent behaviour, we want support from royalty on consequence management. This year in the winter season we are going to be tough in order to save lives.”
Ramaphosa opens the House of Traditional Leaders: 

 
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