Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, trade union leader, and businessman who serves as the fifth President of South Africa since the end of apartheid. He took office in February 2018 following the resignation of Jacob Zuma, and has positioned himself as a champion of reform, committed to fighting corruption and rebuilding the nation’s economy and institutions.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Born | November 17, 1952, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Political Party | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Key Titles | President of South Africa (2018–Present); President of the ANC (2017–Present) |
| Wife | Dr. Tshepo Motsepe |
| Previous Roles | Deputy President of South Africa (2014–2018); ANC Secretary General (1991–1997) |
| Key Role in History | Head of the ANC negotiating team during the end of apartheid; Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly (1994–1996) |
Anti-Apartheid Activism and Trade Unionism
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Black Consciousness: Ramaphosa began his political activism in the early 1970s while studying law at the University of the North (Turfloop). He joined the South African Student Organisation (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC), organizations central to the Black Consciousness movement. His anti-apartheid activities led to his detention in solitary confinement twice in the mid-1970s by the apartheid regime.
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National Union of Mineworkers (NUM): After obtaining his law degree in 1981, Ramaphosa became a legal advisor for a trade union. In 1982, he was instrumental in founding the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and became its first General Secretary. Under his fierce leadership, the union grew from 6,000 members to over 300,000, becoming the most powerful union in the country and leading historic strikes against the mining industry.
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ANC and CODESA: His reputation as a powerful organizer and skilled negotiator led to his election as ANC Secretary General in 1991. He was subsequently appointed the ANC’s chief negotiator at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the subsequent multi-party talks that ended apartheid.
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Post-Apartheid and Business Career
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Constitutional Architect: Following South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Ramaphosa was elected Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly. In this pivotal role, he was responsible for overseeing the drafting and finalization of South Africa’s internationally acclaimed first democratic Constitution .
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Retreat to Business: Despite being widely considered Nelson Mandela’s preferred successor, Ramaphosa was bypassed for the Deputy Presidency in 1994. He resigned from politics in 1997 and transitioned into a successful business career, founding the Shanduka Group, a black-owned investment holding company. He accumulated a large fortune across sectors like mining, energy, and telecommunications, becoming one of South Africa’s wealthiest businessmen.
Return to Politics and Presidency
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Return to Politics: Ramaphosa returned to active politics in 2012 when he was elected Deputy President of the ANC. In 2014, he was appointed Deputy President of South Africa by President Jacob Zuma.
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ANC President: In December 2017, he narrowly won the election to become the President of the ANC on a platform committed to fighting corruption and renewing the party.
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State Presidency: He was sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa on February 15, 2018, following Jacob Zuma’s resignation. He was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2024 (in a historic government of national unity).
Challenges of His Presidency
Ramaphosa’s tenure has been dominated by the difficult task of addressing:
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State Capture: The institutionalized corruption and abuse of power that took place under his predecessor, which he confronted by rebuilding law enforcement agencies and supporting the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
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Economic Stagnation: Tackling severe unemployment (especially youth unemployment) and low economic growth.
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Eskom and Load Shedding: Dealing with the crippling energy crisis and the collapse of the state-owned power utility, Eskom, which has led to persistent and damaging electricity blackouts (load shedding).
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COVID-19 Pandemic: His administration oversaw the national response to the pandemic, including introducing one of Africa’s most comprehensive economic and social support packages.