# Cyril Ramaphosa

> President of South Africa since 2018

**Wikidata**: [Q1148669](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1148669)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_Ramaphosa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cyril-ramaphosa

## Summary
Cyril Ramaphosa is the President of South Africa, having assumed office in 2018. He is a prominent political leader, trade unionist, and businessman who played a key role in the anti-apartheid movement and has significantly influenced South Africa’s political and economic landscape.

## Biography
- Born: 17 November 1952, South Africa  
- Nationality: South African  
- Education:  
  - University of South Africa (UNISA)  
  - University of Cape Town  
  - University of the Witwatersrand  
  - Rhodes University  
- Known for: Leading the National Union of Mineworkers and serving as President of South Africa  
- Employer(s):  
  - National Union of Mineworkers  
  - African National Congress (ANC)  
  - Various private sector roles  
- Field(s): Politics, Labor organizing, Business  

## Contributions
Cyril Ramaphosa founded and led the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which became one of South Africa's most powerful labor organizations during the 1980s. He helped organize mass strikes that pressured the apartheid government and later transitioned into national politics as a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC). As President since 2018, he has overseen efforts to combat corruption, stabilize the economy, and promote social development. In business, he co-founded several companies and was involved in mining and infrastructure ventures, contributing to his reputation as both a political and economic leader.

## FAQs
**Where has Cyril Ramaphosa worked?**  
Cyril Ramaphosa has worked extensively in labor organizing, notably as the leader of the National Union of Mineworkers. He also held high-level positions within the African National Congress and served in various capacities in post-apartheid governance. Additionally, he has been involved in private enterprise, including founding and investing in multiple businesses.

**What is Cyril Ramaphosa known for?**  
He is best known for his leadership in the anti-apartheid struggle, particularly through his work with the National Union of Mineworkers, and for becoming the President of South Africa in 2018. His role in negotiating the country's democratic transition and his subsequent political and business endeavors have cemented his status as a central figure in modern South African history.

**What awards or honors has Cyril Ramaphosa received?**  
Cyril Ramaphosa has received numerous honors, including the Order of Luthuli in Silver (awarded by the South African government), recognition from the World Economic Forum, and honorary doctorates from institutions such as Rhodes University and the University of South Africa.

## Why They Matter
Cyril Ramaphosa's influence spans decades of South African transformation. As a trade union leader, he mobilized thousands of mineworkers against apartheid, applying economic pressure that contributed to the regime's weakening. In the post-apartheid era, he became a central figure in shaping policy and governance under the ANC, eventually ascending to the presidency. His dual legacy in labor activism and national leadership has positioned him as a pivotal actor in both the dismantling of institutionalized racism and the ongoing challenges of governance and economic reform in South Africa.

## Notable For
- Founding and leading the National Union of Mineworkers (+1982)
- Serving as General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers
- Playing a key role in the African National Congress (ANC)
- Being elected President of South Africa in 2018
- Co-founding businesses in mining and telecommunications
- Receiving the Order of Luthuli in Silver
- Holding degrees from multiple South African universities
- Being a globally recognized political and labor leader

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Cyril Ramaphosa was born on 17 November 1952 in South Africa. He pursued higher education at several institutions, including the University of South Africa (UNISA), the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, and Rhodes University. These formative academic experiences laid the groundwork for his later involvement in both public service and private enterprise.

### Labor Leadership and the National Union of Mineworkers
In 1982, Ramaphosa co-founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), an organization that would become one of the most influential labor movements in South Africa. As its first General Secretary, he led major strikes that disrupted the mining industry—a critical component of the apartheid economy. These actions not only highlighted the exploitation of Black workers but also applied significant economic pressure on the apartheid regime, contributing to broader resistance efforts.

### Political Career and the ANC
Ramaphosa joined the African National Congress (ANC) early in his career and became a key figure in the party’s internal structures. He played a crucial role in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of democratic rule in South Africa. During the 1990s, he served in various capacities within the new government, including as a member of the Constitutional Assembly responsible for drafting South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution.

### Presidency and Governance
Since assuming the presidency in 2018, Ramaphosa has focused on addressing corruption, revitalizing the economy, and improving public service delivery. His administration has implemented reforms aimed at restoring confidence in state institutions and promoting inclusive growth. Internationally, he has represented South Africa in global forums, advocating for multilateralism and African unity.

### Business Ventures and Private Sector Involvement
Beyond politics, Ramaphosa has built a substantial business portfolio. He co-founded companies such as African Rainbow Minerals and African Bank, and has had stakes in companies like TransHex and the Vodacom Group. These ventures have made him one of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals and underscore his influence in both corporate and political spheres.

### Recognition and Honors
Throughout his career, Ramaphosa has received numerous accolades. Among these are the Order of Luthuli in Silver, awarded by the South African government for exceptional service, and recognition from international bodies like the World Economic Forum. He has also been honored with honorary doctorates from several universities, including Rhodes University and the University of South Africa.

### Legacy and Influence
Cyril Ramaphosa’s legacy is multifaceted. As a labor organizer, he empowered marginalized workers. As a political leader, he helped shape a new nation. As a businessman, he demonstrated the intersection of wealth and influence in post-apartheid South Africa. His enduring impact lies in his ability to navigate complex socio-political landscapes while maintaining relevance across generations and sectors.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. Geni.com
4. [Source](http://www.pa.org.za/person/matamela-cyril-ramaphosa/)
5. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-43070771)
6. [Source](https://www.pa.org.za/person/matamela-cyril-ramaphosa/)
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. general catalog of BnF
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [Source](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-14/south-african-president-cyril-tests-positive-for-covid-19/100697586)
13. Davos 2018 Participant List
14. Davos 2019 Participant List
15. List of Public Figures - World Economic Forum – Annual Meeting 2023
16. BBC Things
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. [Source](https://justrichest.com/highest-paid-world-leaders/)
19. [Cyril M. Ramaphosa | World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/people/cyril-m-ramaphosa/)