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Cyril Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa

5th President of South Africa

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African politician, businessman, and anti-apartheid activist who has served as the President of the Republic of South Africa and President of the African National Congress (ANC). Born in Johannesburg in 1952, Ramaphosa’s rise to prominence began in the 1970s and 80s as a legal advisor and student activist. He famously founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, building it into one of the most powerful trade unions in the country and playing a pivotal role in the struggle against the apartheid regime.

Widely recognized as a master negotiator, Ramaphosa was the chief negotiator for the ANC during South Africa’s transition to democracy in the early 1990s. He served as the Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, where he was instrumental in the drafting of the nation’s first democratic Constitution, a document globally acclaimed for its protection of human rights. After a period in the private sector where he founded the Shanduka Group and became a significant figure in South African business, he returned to frontline politics, serving as Deputy President before assuming the Presidency.

Quick facts about Cyril Ramaphosa

  1. Born Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa on November 17, 1952, in Soweto, Johannesburg. "Matamela" is a Venda name meaning "one who overcomes difficulties" or "the patient one."
  2. Founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, building it into South Africa's largest trade union. He served as Chief Negotiator for the African National Congress (ANC) during the transition from apartheid, playing a central role in drafting the 1996 Constitution of South Africa.
  3. Sworn in as the 5th President of South Africa on February 15, 2018, following the forced resignation of Jacob Zuma amid state capture scandals; re-elected by Parliament in June 2024 to head the nation's first historic Government of National Unity (GNU).
  4. Served as a non-executive director and shareholder of Lonmin mining company during the August 2012 Marikana strike, where police shot dead 34 striking miners. Emails revealed he advocated for "concomitant action" against strikers, triggering long-standing political and civil liability claims.
  5. In June 2022, former intelligence chief Arthur Fraser disclosed that Ramaphosa concealed a $4 million theft of undeclared foreign cash hidden inside furniture at his private Phala Phala game farm in 2020. An independent parliamentary panel concluded in November 2022 that he had a case to answer regarding constitutional breaches, though ANC parliamentary majorities blocked impeachment proceedings.
  6. Built a personal net worth estimated at $450 million to $500 million through his investment vehicle, Shanduka Group, accumulating vast holdings in mining (Glencore), financial services (Standard Bank), telecommunications (MTN), and fast food (McDonald's South Africa) prior to divestment upon re-entering public office.

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South AfricaXenophobiaBrazilcourtEconomic Freedom FightersGhanaMadagascarNigeriaPoliticsSADC

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