Cyril Ramaphosa
Cyril Ramaphosa is the fifth President of South Africa, having taken office in February 2018. He is a South African politician, businessman and former trade union leader who rose to prominence as the general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers during the anti-apartheid struggle in the 1980s. Ramaphosa played a key role in negotiating South Africa's transition to democracy and was chief negotiator for the African National Congress during the constitutional talks that led to the country's first democratic elections in 1994. After leaving politics in the mid-1990s, he built a substantial business career, becoming one of South Africa's wealthiest individuals through investments in mining, telecommunications and other sectors. He returned to active politics in 2012 when he was elected deputy president of the ANC, and subsequently served as Deputy President of South Africa from 2014 to 2018 under President Jacob Zuma. Ramaphosa became president following Zuma's resignation and won a full term in the 2019 general election, then secured a second term in 2024 at the head of a Government of National Unity. His presidency has focused on tackling corruption, reviving economic growth and addressing the country's energy crisis and high unemployment. He recurs in coverage of South African politics, economic policy, state capture investigations and regional African affairs. Ramaphosa studied law at the University of South Africa and began his career as a legal adviser to the Council of Unions of South Africa before founding the National Union of Mineworkers in 1982.
Cyril Ramaphosa Updates
Daily Podcast – August 14, 2026
By: Halima Frost Updated 7 hours ago Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia; South Africa's top court blocks Shell's Wild Coast exploration plans; And, Chad's president... →
SA: Ronald Lamola: Address by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, to introduce President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the SADC Public Lecture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus (14/08/2026)
14th August 2026 The world is undergoing significant transformation. Great power competition is intensifying. Advanced economies are turning inward. Events beyond... →
SADC Summit: Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia, GBV 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 14th August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday delivered a powerful vision for the renewal of Southern Africa, calling for urgent regional action on... →
KZN Premier urges SADC to renew commitment to public diplomacy as leaders meet
By: Sashnee Moodley 14th August 2026 Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public lecture for the 46th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development... →
TSO close, but not yet
By: Terence Creamer 14th August 2026 There is no question that President Ramaphosa’s endorsement of the Phase I report of the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) is a key milestone in... →
Daily Podcast – August 13, 2025
By: Trent Roebeck 13th August 2026 Making headlines: MKP calls ConCourt dismissal of Phala Phala interdict appeal ‘lazy’; DA lays criminal charges against 10 ‘worst’ municipal... →
Ramaphosa outlines next Eskom restructuring objectives, highlights grid industrialisation potential
By: Terence Creamer 13th August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the importance of the creation of a fully independent, State-owned transmission company to the development... →
MKP calls ConCourt dismissal of Phala Phala interdict appeal ‘lazy’
By: Sashnee Moodley 13th August 2026 The MKP on Thursday said the Constitution Court’s decision to dismiss an application asking for direct access to appeal the halting of the... →
SA: Leon Schreiber: Address by Home Affairs Minister, at the official launch of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (12/08/2026)
13th August 2026 This is not only because of the significance of the ETA as the flagship reform to modernise and digitally transform South Africa’s visa and... →
President Ramaphosa offers condolences on Lake Kariba tragedy
13th August 2026 On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his deep condolences to the Government and people of... →
