Ramaphosa Calls on South Africans to Uphold Constitutional Values and Reject Intolerance

Cape Town, The Gulf Observer: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to uphold the constitutional values of non-racialism, non-sexism, equality, democracy and human dignity while rejecting violence against women, xenophobia and intolerance.

In his weekly newsletter, the President reflected on Heritage Day, which celebrates South Africa’s diverse languages, traditions and cultures. He said the celebration was made possible by the country’s democratic government, which recognises the injustices and suffering of the past and remains committed to building a society that lives in harmony despite its diversity.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s heritage was not only something to celebrate but also something that must be protected.

He condemned violence against women, saying abuse, rape and the killing of women were incompatible with a society founded on freedom, equality and human dignity.

The President also warned against xenophobia and intolerance, recalling the support provided by African countries and peoples to South Africa’s liberation struggle and the establishment of democracy.

He said South Africa remained committed to the ideals of African unity and integration, while stressing that migration must take place within the law. He added that the government had a responsibility to manage the country’s borders effectively and that everyone living in South Africa was required to respect its laws.

Addressing racial discrimination, Ramaphosa said racism would not define South Africa, which had chosen in 1994 to build one nation from people of different races, cultures and backgrounds.

He said the democratic government remained committed to addressing the injustices of the past, adding that constitutionally grounded measures aimed at redressing historical exclusion should not be equated with the systematic racial oppression of the apartheid era.

Ramaphosa urged South Africans to remain vigilant against efforts to undermine national unity and warned against words and actions that could polarise communities, inflame public opinion and reopen historical divisions.

He also stressed that freedom of expression carried responsibilities. He said the public humiliation of women, inflammatory statements about foreign nationals and language that glorified violence could contribute to discrimination, social tensions and hostility.

The President further rejected claims of a “white genocide,” describing such allegations as false and saying that promoting them abroad could discourage investment in South Africa.

“At a time when unemployment is high and we need to grow our economy and attract investment, travelling to foreign capitals to spread the falsehood of a ‘white genocide’ and discourage investment in one’s own country is neither responsible nor patriotic,” Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that South Africa’s constitutional values transcend race, gender, language, culture and geography and encouraged citizens to work together to address the country’s common challenges.

“Every day, through our words and our deeds, we must renew the choice we made in 1994 and affirmed when we adopted our Constitution: the choice to build this country together. That is our shared heritage. It is also our shared responsibility,” the President said.