Ramaphosa says late Hosi N’wamitwa II leaves remarkable legacy in advancing gender equality

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the late Hosi N’wamitwa II leaves a remarkable legacy in advancing gender equality within traditional communities.

Hosi N’wamitwa passed away last week following an undisclosed illness.

She made history in August 2008 as the first female among the Vatsonga to ascend to the throne, after challenging the patriarchal system in the Constitutional Court.

Speaking at her funeral, held at the Valoyi Cultural Village in Tzaneen, Limpopo on Sunday, Ramaphosa reflected on her work and the progress she made in empowering women, especially in issues of land ownership, marriage recognition, and leadership positions.

He also acknowledged the many challenges women in rural areas still face, including poverty, financial exclusion, and gender-based violence.

The president called on government, traditional leaders, civil society, and communities to ensure that cultural practices are never used to oppress or exclude women.

“Let us work to ensure that the full and meaningful equality of men and women is lived out in every village, town, city and province. We call on the youth of this community and the youth of our country to ensure that the legacy of the late Hosi N’wanitwa lives on in your words and actions. We are counting on your energy and vision to pick up where she left off for the betterment of your villages, towns, the province and the country at large.”