The National Assembly of South Africa elected Cyril Ramaphosa as president on 14 June 2024, marking his second term in office. A Soweto native born in 1952, he transitioned from a significant career in labor activism and business to become a central figure in South African politics, serving within the African National Congress during the country's democratic transition.
Early Activism and Legal Career
Ramaphosa engaged with student politics early, joining the South African Students' Organization and the Black People's Convention. His activism led to multiple detentions under the Terrorism Act of 1967. Despite these disruptions, he pursued legal studies through the University of South Africa, ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Laws degree. He also spent time in academic settings at institutions including Harvard University and Yale University.
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In 1982, Ramaphosa became the first secretary of the newly formed National Union of Mineworkers. Over the next decade, he oversaw a dramatic increase in membership, growing the organization from 6,000 to 300,000 members. He played a primary role in organizing the Congress of South African Trade Unions and served as a negotiator for the mineworkers during significant industrial actions throughout the 1980s.
Political Transition and Business
Following the unbanning of the African National Congress in 1990, Ramaphosa served as a lead negotiator in talks to end apartheid. After the 1994 elections, he became the chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly. In 1996, he pivoted to the private sector, founding the Shanduka Group and serving on the boards of companies such as MTN and Lonmin. He also operated McDonald's South Africa franchises.
Executive Presidency
Ramaphosa returned to formal governance as Deputy President of South Africa from 2014 to 2018. Upon the resignation of Jacob Zuma, he assumed the presidency in 2018. His administration faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and he also served as the Chairperson of the African Union from 2020 to 2021. He continues to hold leadership positions within the African National Congress.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Soweto
- Citizenship: South Africa
- Education: University of South Africa, Harvard University, Yale University, Damelin
- Academic Degree: Bachelor of Laws
- President of South Africa: 2018-Present
- Chairperson of the African Union: 2020-2021
- Languages: English, Zulu, Xhosa, Venda, Northern Sotho
- Major Awards: Olof Palme Prize (1987), Order of the Bath
Questions readers ask
What is Cyril Ramaphosa's professional background?
He has worked as a businessperson, politician, minister, entrepreneur, and trade unionist.
Has he received international recognition for his work?
Yes, he has received the Olof Palme Prize, the National Order of the Lion of Senegal, the National Order of Merit, the Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud, the Order of the Bath, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town.
Achievements
- member of the National Assembly of South Africa (2014–2018)
- President of South Africa (from 2018)
- Deputy President of South Africa (2014–2018)
- member of the National Assembly of South Africa (2019–2019)
- Olof Palme Prize — 1987
- National Order of Merit
- Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud
- National Order of the Lion of Senegal
- Educated at Harvard University and Yale University
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