Cyril Ramaphosa

Date of Birth: November 17, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Biography

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African politician, businessman, and trade union leader who has served as the fifth President of South Africa since February 15, 2018. Born on November 17, 1952, in Soweto, Johannesburg, Ramaphosa has had a storied career marked by his involvement in anti-apartheid activism, labor union leadership, and business. He was a key figure in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the drafting of South Africa’s first democratic constitution. Ramaphosa graduated with a degree in law from the University of South Africa in 1981. He became heavily involved in the labor movement, founding the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, which grew to be one of the most powerful unions in South Africa. His role in the labor movement propelled him to the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle, culminating in his election as Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1991, where he played a vital role in the negotiations to end apartheid. In the post-apartheid era, Ramaphosa turned to business, amassing significant wealth. He held various prominent positions, including as the executive chairman of Shanduka Group, a company he founded. He also served on the boards of multiple companies, including MTN and Lonmin. Ramaphosa returned to politics full-time in 2012, becoming Deputy President of South Africa in 2014 and later succeeding Jacob Zuma as President in 2018. His presidency has focused on tackling corruption, reviving the economy, and improving governance.

5 Interesting Facts about Cyril Ramaphosa

1. Cyril Ramaphosa was a leading negotiator in the talks that ended apartheid and led to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

2. He founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, which became one of the largest and most influential labor unions in South Africa.

3. Ramaphosa played a key role in drafting South Africa’s 1996 constitution, considered one of the most progressive in the world.

4. He took a hiatus from politics to build a business empire, becoming one of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals.

5. Ramaphosa is known for his love of wildlife and is an avid game farmer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cyril Ramaphosa

1. “We should put our differences aside and work together to realize the vision of a free and democratic South Africa.”

2. “A united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa is within our reach.”

3. “Our greatest challenge is to restore the credibility and integrity of our institutions, particularly our state-owned enterprises.”

4. “We must confront corruption and state capture with the same determination that we confronted apartheid.”

5. “Economic transformation and job creation are central to the future prosperity of our nation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Cyril Ramaphosa’s net worth was estimated to be around $450 million.

Children

Cyril Ramaphosa has five children. He has three children with his current wife, Tshepo Motsepe: Tumelo, Andile, and Mashudu. He also has two children from his previous marriage to Hope Ramaphosa: Tulisa and another child whose name is less publicly known.