Crime Intel

Dlamini: If Ramaphosa wants to take a stand on women abuse he must start with himself

Bathabile Dlamini said that if Cyril Ramaphosa wanted to take a stand on violence against women, he should start by examining his own life.

President of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) Bathabile Dlamini said that if Cyril Ramaphosa wanted to take a stand on violence against women, he should start by examining his own life.

Ramaphosa has received scathing criticism from supporters of President Jacob Zuma this week, after he told radio talk show host Karima Brown that he believed the rape allegations made by Khwezi against Zuma.

That case did go to trial and Zuma was subsequently acquitted. However, in the eyes of many, Zuma was still guilty of the crime.

That message was reinforced by Ramaphosa’s comments this week. Dlamini, speaking to supporters this weekend, was not amused by what had transpired in that radio interview.

“The issue of violence against women is the issue that must unite all women. It is an issue where we should take a stand. We must not be pushed into the corner to support some and not support the others,” said Dlamini.

“Comrade Deputy President of the ANC decided to speak but he spoke about Jacob Zuma. And we want to say, Comrade Cyril, if you want to speak out about violence against women and children, talk about yourself,” added Dlamini.

Ramaphosa, himself, has been the subject of allegations and rumours. None of which have actually been substantiated though. However, Dlamini made her position on Ramaphosa quite clear.

“You (Ramaphosa) must open up and it is ideal because you said you know how difficult it is for a woman to take a stand on this issue and you do have the experience,”she said.