Early Life and Education

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was born on 17 November 1952 in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, to Venda parents, Samuel and Erdmuth Ramaphosa. The second of three children, he grew up during the height of apartheid, an environment that would later shape his political consciousness.

He attended Tshilidzi Primary School and Sekano Ntoane High School in Soweto before matriculating from Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda. In 1972, he enrolled at the University of the North (Turfloop) to study law, where his political activism began to take shape.

While studying, Ramaphosa joined the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC) — both inspired by Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness Movement. His activism led to multiple arrests and long periods of detention under the apartheid regime. After being released, he completed his Bachelor of Procurationis (B. Proc.) degree through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1981.

Anti-Apartheid Activism and Union Leadership

Following his legal studies, Ramaphosa joined the Council of Unions of South Africa (CUSA) in 1982 and was tasked with forming a union for mineworkers — leading to the establishment of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). As its first secretary-general, he grew the NUM into South Africa’s most powerful trade union, expanding membership from 6,000 in 1982 to nearly 300,000 by 1992.

Ramaphosa was instrumental in founding the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985 and became one of the leading figures in the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM), which united trade unions, community groups, and political activists in the struggle against apartheid.

Rise in the African National Congress (ANC)

After the ANC was unbanned in 1990, Ramaphosa became one of its most influential leaders. He served as Secretary-General under Nelson Mandela and played a key role as chief negotiator in the talks that led to the end of apartheid and the birth of a democratic South Africa.

In 1994, following the country’s first democratic elections, Ramaphosa chaired the Constitutional Assembly, overseeing the drafting of South Africa’s progressive Constitution of 1996 — one of the most inclusive and admired constitutions in the world.

Although considered a potential successor to Mandela, Ramaphosa stepped away from politics in 1996 after Thabo Mbeki’s appointment as deputy president, shifting his focus toward business.

Business Career and Wealth Accumulation

Between 1996 and 2014, Ramaphosa became one of South Africa’s most prominent businessmen. He founded the Shanduka Group, which invested in sectors such as mining, energy, telecommunications, real estate, and banking.

He held significant positions in major companies:

• Chairman of MTN Group, Bidvest, and Mondi
• Non-executive director at SABMiller, Standard Bank, Lonmin, and Anglo American
• Owner of McDonald’s South Africa franchise (acquired in 2011)

By 2018, his net worth was estimated at R6.4 billion (approx. $450 million). Ramaphosa’s success in business reflected his mastery of South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, though it also attracted criticism for perceived elitism and detachment from working-class struggles.

Return to Politics: Deputy President of South Africa

Cyril Ramaphosa re-entered active politics in 2012, being elected Deputy President of the ANC at the party’s 53rd National Conference. In 2014, President Jacob Zuma appointed him as Deputy President of South Africa.

In this role, Ramaphosa chaired the National Planning Commission, oversaw the National Minimum Wage initiative, and worked on restoring economic stability amid rising corruption scandals in Zuma’s administration.

Presidency of the ANC and South Africa

In December 2017, Ramaphosa was elected President of the ANC, defeating Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Following Jacob Zuma’s resignation in February 2018, he became the President of South Africa.

His presidency focused on:

• Fighting corruption within the ANC
• Stimulating economic growth
• Promoting land reform and youth employment
• Managing the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Ramaphosa’s leadership during the pandemic earned him international praise for his composure and science-based approach. He also served as Chairperson of the African Union (2020–2021), advocating for vaccine equity and African unity.

In 2024, after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time, Ramaphosa was re-elected as President of South Africa with support from opposition parties, marking a new era of coalition governance.

Economic and Social Policies

As president, Ramaphosa has prioritized:

• Land reform without compensation to address historical injustices
• Youth Employment Service (YES) to combat joblessness
• Energy reform by allowing private generation up to 100 MW to tackle load-shedding
• Investment in education and sanitation through initiatives like the SAFE program

Despite reforms, his government has faced challenges, including inequality, slow economic recovery, and criticism over corruption within state institutions.

Foreign Policy and Global Influence

Cyril Ramaphosa has positioned South Africa as an active player in international diplomacy:

• Advocated for peace in South Sudan and Ukraine
• Promoted African cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
• Strengthened ties with Russia, China, the United States, and the UK
• Hosted major events, including the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg (2023)

He has also taken strong stances on global issues, including Palestinian rights and African sovereignty, while maintaining South Africa’s historical commitment to non-alignment.

Controversies and Criticisms

Ramaphosa’s career has not been free of controversy:

• Marikana Massacre (2012): As a director of Lonmin, he was criticized for his role in events leading to police shootings of striking miners.
• CR17 Campaign Funding: Accusations of undisclosed donations to his ANC leadership campaign drew scrutiny from the Public Protector, though later cleared by court review.
• Business ties: His vast corporate holdings have often raised questions about conflicts of interest in governance.

Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa continues to advocate for ethical governance and economic reform.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Cyril Ramaphosa is married to Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, a medical doctor and sister of billionaire Patrice Motsepe. The couple has several children. Ramaphosa is known for his interest in Ankole cattle farming, maintaining a ranch in Mpumalanga and authoring Cattle of the Ages: Stories and Portraits of the Ankole Cattle of Southern Africa (2017).

He established the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, which focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. In 2018, he pledged to donate half of his presidential salary to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, inspiring others to contribute to social upliftment.

Legacy and Leadership Style

Cyril Ramaphosa’s life reflects the evolution of South Africa — from the struggle against apartheid to the challenges of building a modern democracy. Known for his calm demeanor, negotiation skills, and focus on consensus, Ramaphosa continues to balance the competing demands of economic reform, social justice, and political renewal.

As of 2025, he remains President of South Africa and leader of the African National Congress, shaping the nation’s path amid complex political and global challenges.