Cyril Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African politician, trade unionist, and businessman who has served as the President of South Africa since 2018. A key figure in the anti-apartheid struggle, he rose to prominence as a leader of the National Union of Mineworkers and was a principal negotiator during the transition to democracy. He was elected President of the African National Congress in 2017 and succeeded Jacob Zuma as State President the following year, facing challenges including economic stagnation, corruption, and deep-seated inequality.

Early life and education

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was born in Soweto, then part of the Transvaal province. His father was a police sergeant and the family later moved to Chiawelo. He completed his secondary education at Mphaphuli High School in Venda. Ramaphosa initially studied law at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) in 1971, but his education was interrupted following his arrest and detention under the Terrorism Act in 1974 for anti-apartheid activities. After his release, he completed his law degree through the University of South Africa in 1981.

Trade union activism

Ramaphosa's activism was forged in the labor movement. In 1982, he helped found the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), becoming its first General Secretary. Under his leadership, the NUM grew into the largest and most powerful trade union in the country, a key affiliate of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. He organized major strikes, including the historic 1987 mineworkers' strike, challenging the economic foundations of the apartheid regime. His role in the union cemented his position as a leading figure in the internal anti-apartheid struggle and within the African National Congress.

Political career

Following the unbanning of the African National Congress, Ramaphosa was elected its Secretary General in 1991 at the first national conference held inside South Africa in decades. He played a crucial role as head of the ANC's negotiation team during the CODESA talks, helping to broker the peaceful transition to majority rule and the drafting of the 1996 Constitution. After losing the succession race to become President to Thabo Mbeki in 1997, he moved into business, building a substantial empire through Shanduka Group. He returned to formal politics as Deputy President of South Africa under Jacob Zuma in 2014. In December 2017, he was elected President of the African National Congress at the party's 54th National Conference, defeating Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Presidency

Ramaphosa ascended to the presidency on 15 February 2018 following the resignation of Jacob Zuma. His tenure has been defined by efforts to combat systemic corruption through commissions like the Zondo Commission, attract foreign investment through initiatives such as the South Africa Investment Conference, and address an electricity crisis driven by failures at Eskom. His administration has faced severe challenges including record unemployment, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent factional battles within the African National Congress. His 2022 re-election as ANC president at the 55th National Conference secured his party leadership, though his presidency has been marred by scandals like the Phala Phala farm robbery controversy.

Personal life and wealth

Ramaphosa is married to Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, a physician and sister of billionaire Patrice Motsepe. He has children from his previous marriage to Hope Ramaphosa and his current marriage. Prior to his return to government, he amassed considerable wealth through investments in companies like McDonald's South Africa, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, and MTN Group, as well as through his chairmanship of African Rainbow Minerals. His private game farm in Limpopo, which became the center of the Phala Phala farm robbery controversy, and his extensive cattle herd, including a prized Ankole-Watusi bull, have been subjects of public and media scrutiny regarding the sources and disclosure of his wealth.

Category:Presidents of South Africa Category:African National Congress politicians Category:1952 births