From Activist to President: The Journey of South Africa’s Political and Business Titan
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Cyril Ramaphosa Biography
Cyril Ramaphosa was born (November 17, 1952) in Soweto, a historic township in Johannesburg, during the oppressive apartheid regime. He was the second of three children in a modest family. His father, Samuel, was a policeman, while his mother, Erdmuth, was a homemaker. He grew up in a politically charged environment which inspired his future in activism.
Cyril Ramaphosa Wiki-Bio
| Full name | Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1952 |
| Age | 72 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Wife | Dr. Tshepo Motsepe |
| Children | 5 (Andile, Tumelo, Kiki, Mashudu, Tulisa) |
| Net Worth | $450 million (R4.6 billion) |
| Occupation | President of South Africa, Businessman |
| Political Party | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Ethnicity | Venda |
Education and Student Leadership
Ramaphosa pursued law at the University of the North (now University of Limpopo) in 1972, where he became involved in student politics through the South African Students Organisation (SASO). His activism drew the attention of the apartheid government, resulting in multiple detentions. Despite these setbacks, he later earned his B.Proc law degree through the University of South Africa (UNISA) while imprisoned.
Activism and Rise to Union Leadership
In 1982, Ramaphosa played a pivotal role in founding the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), one of the most powerful trade unions in South Africa. As general secretary of NUM, he led major industrial strikes and became a key figure in the fight for workers’ rights and anti-apartheid efforts. His leadership brought him into close alignment with the African National Congress (ANC) and Nelson Mandela’s inner circle.
Role in South Africa’s Democratic Transition
Ramaphosa was appointed Secretary-General of the ANC in 1991 and was one of the chief negotiators during the CODESA talks that ended apartheid. He played a central role in drafting South Africa’s first democratic constitution.
Though many expected him to succeed Nelson Mandela as president, the ANC instead elected Thabo Mbeki. Disappointed, Ramaphosa temporarily stepped away from politics in 1996.
Business Career and Wealth Accumulation
During his political hiatus, Ramaphosa built a substantial business empire:
- Founder of Shanduka Group (investment holding company)
- Held major stakes in MTN, McDonald’s South Africa, and Standard Bank
- Served as chairman or board member of companies like Lonmin, Bidvest, and Mondi
His business ventures made him one of the wealthiest Black South Africans.
Estimated Net Worth (2024): $450 million (R6.4 billion)
Return to Politics and Rise to Presidency
In 2012, Ramaphosa returned to public office and became Deputy President of South Africa under Jacob Zuma in 2014. Amid national outcry over corruption in Zuma’s administration, Ramaphosa rose as a reformist leader within the ANC.
| President of the ANC | Elected in December 2017 |
| President of South Africa | Assumed Office on February 15, 2018 |
| Re-elected for a second term | May, 2024 |
His presidency has focused on anti-corruption efforts, economic reform, and rebuilding public institutions.
Family and Personal Life
| Wife | Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, a respected physician and sister of billionaire mining magnate Patrice Motsepe. The couple married in 1996 and maintain a relatively private family life. |
| Children | Cyril Ramaphosa has five children:
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Though discreet about their personal affairs, the Ramaphosa family occasionally draws public attention, especially around issues of business and youth leadership.
Awards and Recognitions
| Olof Palme Prize (1987) for his trade union work |
| Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab (2009) |
| Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (UK, 2022) |
| Honorary doctorates from several international universities |
Legacy and Public Image
Cyril Ramaphosa is widely regarded as a strategic thinker, skilled negotiator, and symbol of political stability. Despite facing criticism for slow economic reform and internal ANC divisions, he continues to advocate for clean governance and national renewal.
He is also known for his love of farming and frequently shares his passion for livestock and nature conservation on public platforms.
