A nation that destroys its children, shames its ancestors: Ramaphosa
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says traditional leaders need to be attuned to the concerns of communities.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of the Departments Of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs' inaugural National Traditional Leader Indaba in Boksburg.
Ramaphosa says traditional leaders are witnesses to the problems experienced by families and in communities, because they live among the people of South Africa.
"We urge you to blow your horns before problems manifest themselves," says Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa urged the leaders to be at the forefront of the struggle to end violence against women and children.
"There is nothing in our culture, in our traditions, in our beliefs that permits the denigration, abuse, rape or murder of women," says Ramaphosa.
"There is nothing in our history, in our ancestry, in our communal identity that permits the abuse and exploitation of children.
"We must be unequivocal that a nation that destroys its children, destroys its future and shames its ancestors."