Sonke Gender Justice: Ramaphosa waited too long to believe Khwezi

Ramaphosa was speaking during a radio broadcast last night.

He revealed that he believes the late Fezeka Kuzwayo, known as ''Khwezi'' to the media, who accused Zuma of raping her in 2005.

However, Sonke Gender Justice's Andre Lewaks says it is a shame Ramaphosa did not speak up during the rape trial.

Zuma was eventually acquitted by the courts, a decision Ramaphosa said should be respected.

Lewaks says the presidential hopeful's statements are opportunistic, coming at a time when he is competing for the ANC’s top job.

''You would expect leaders to come out immediately in support of women who say they've been raped, so it's a little bit confusing that he is only coming out now in support of Khwezi's allegations against the president.

''In the same breath, we need to remember that it's the running to elections ... so I think what South Africa needs is very strong leadership, leadership that can there and then defend women who accuse people who violate their rights, especially where women abuse is concerned''.

At the same time Lewaks believes Ramaphosa’s remarks are at least a step in the right direction in the fight against gender-based violence.

Lewaks says this would also be an ideal time for the ANC presidential hopeful to outline his plans to alleviate the scourge of gender-based violence.