By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A message from President Cyril Ramaphosa was delivered at the Memorial Dialogue Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Civic Centre, Kempton Park on Thursday, 18 September 2026.
This follows the discovery of the bodies of nine women that were found in the Kempton Park area in Ekurhuleni.
The killings have highlighted the high rates of violence against women in South Africa, which has one of the highest femicide rates in the world, according to the United Nations.
SA Police Services (SAPS) recorded 9,782 reported rapes between January and March 2026, along with 12,590 sexual offences. That amounts to roughly 108 reported rapes every day.
Almost half of those reported rapes, 4,620, or 47.2 percent, took place at the home of the victim or the perpetrator, according to police statistics.
In November last year, South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster following sustained pressure from civil society organisations.
The session was held at the Civic Centre in Kempton Park, with the President’s message delivered by Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia.
“They had hopes and dreams. They had plans for their lives. They had families and friends who expected them to return home. Each of them had a name, a story and people who loved them. Not all the women have been identified,” said the President.
The President’s message comes as police made the grim discovery of the body of a ninth woman earlier today in Dawn Park, Boksburg. This follows the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
The President said there are still families waiting for answers as to what happened to someone they love.
“We honour every one of them today. On behalf of all South Africans, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have died. We mourn with you. Your loss is our loss. These killings have disturbed our nation and brought fear and uncertainty into our communities.”
“No community should have to live with such fear. No woman should have to wonder whether she will be the next victim. No family should have to endure the anguish that these families are enduring today. “
“We are determined to act with urgency to solve these killings, to bring those responsible to justice, and to restore calm and security to communities. The South African Police Service, working together with all relevant State bodies, has dedicated personnel and resources to these cases. ”
“I have directed that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. I have directed that we use every means at our disposal, including the latest surveillance technology, to track down the perpetrators and stop these crimes,” the President said.
Ramaphosa said those responsible for these crimes must know that the State will pursue them.
“They must know that they cannot act with impunity. They will be found, they will be arrested and they will be made to answer for their crimes before a court of law. Our law enforcement agencies need to work in partnership with the citizens of this country.”
“We call on anyone, who may have any information about these incidents, to please come forward. If you heard something, or if you know something that may assist the investigation, however insignificant it may seem, please report it.”
Meanwhile the UN said South Africa’s declaration of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster must now be matched by urgent action, including greater accountability, access to justice and sustained funding.
The multilateral forum said it will continue supporting South Africa in meeting its international human-rights obligations and implementing its national strategy against gender-based violence and femicide.
The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81) officially opened on September 8, 2026, under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”