Ramaphosa Urges South African Women to Lead the Charge for Accountability and Progress, SA Weighs In

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African women to hold the government accountable
• Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of women’s active engagement in demanding better service and progress
• The president said that the government is committed to addressing women’s concerns in South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African women to hold the government accountable when it fails to deliver on its commitments to them.

What did Ramaphosa say?

During the National Women’s Day commemoration held in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on 9 August 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged South African women to take an active role in holding the government accountable when it fails to meet its commitments. The event was observed under the theme “Building resilient economies for all.”

The president highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by women in the country, including the persistent issues of gender-based violence and economic inequality. He emphasised the necessity for women to engage more in demanding improved service delivery and better progress from government institutions.

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Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s dedication to addressing the concerns of women and advancing their welfare.

Gender equality

President Ramaphosa highlighted the need for greater efforts to achieve gender equality across all sectors of South African society. While noting improvements in women's representation in the economy and key leadership roles, he indicated that the progress made so far remains insufficient.

Ramaphosa reflected on the lasting impact of the historic actions taken by women in 1956 but emphasised that much work still lies ahead to ensure full gender equality.

South Africans weigh in

Social media users had mixed reactions to Ramaphosa's speech.

@Ch3nDogg said:

"You’ve run out of recommitments. We need new leaders."

@notinheritable said:

"Imagine we had equality of race."

@bubezi25feb1952 said:

"Nobody believes a word that Ramaphosa says. Compulsive liar. Absolutely pathetic. Disgusting, despicable, disgraceful revolting person."

@Kg28760 said:

"Not while Gayton is still a minister Mr president. We've been insulted and belittled by your own minister, fire him NOW!"

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@Legomakhooe said:

"Which future the one handing South Africa to foreign nationals, that's what you mean with equality 2 police officers are dead say something about that, not the nonsensical future you so deliberately talking about, there's no future here mxm."

@Whatalivewelive said:

"Tell me Mr. President, do you believe the words you say? You have been saying them so many times... like they say, you tell a lie enough times it might just become your new truth..."

@sizweSib71534 said:

"If Zuma was still the president. He would have acted by now. You not making any sense as a President."

Ramaphosa and Trump discuss trade matters on phone call

In another article, Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa is not giving up on securing a trade deal for South Africa with the United States of America.

The two countries are yet to agree on bilateral trade matters, with Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs taking effect on 7 August 2025. With the tariffs officially in effect, Ramaphosa personally engaged with Trump to try and bring about some stability to the situation.

Source: Briefly News