His full name, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, is the fifth and current president of South Africa
Ramaphosa is an interesting and multifaceted figure. Some know him for his business empire, while others remember him for his struggles during the Apartheid Era.
We present to you the five things you might not know about Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.
1. Politician
Cyril Ramaphosa served as vice president under expelled president Jacob Zuma. This is the main reason why some people consider their transition to be nothing short of normal. Many see it as part of the system put in place by many who believe he didn’t do much as a vice president to correct or moderate Zuma’s excesses. But what power does a vice president really possess? This is the question his fans and those who look up to him keep asking. Cyril Ramaphosa was chosen as the president of African National Congress (ANC) in 2017.
2. Skillful Negotiator
He played an important role in the negotiations that led to the demise of apartheid. In fact, he acted as ANC’s chief negotiator.
3. Apartheid Hero
Ramaphosa’s background as a child and a witness to the crisis in Soweto’s popular sands probably made an impact on his resolve as an anti-apartheid activist. During his undergraduate studies, he was a member of the South African Students Organization and the Black People’s Convention.
4. Businessman
Ramaphosa is considered to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the current Black government in South Africa. He has a wide range of businesses spread across the country and business interests in large South African companies. He is the CEO of Shanduka Group, a company that participates in almost all sectors of the economy, such as energy, real estate, insurance, banking, and telecommunications. He has interests in MacDonald’s and has served as a non-executive director of large companies such as Macsteel Holdings, Alexander Forbes and Standard Bank. Previously, he was Chairman of the MTN Board of Directors.
5. Trade Unionist
Ramaphosa was once on the side of the masses when he joined the South African Trade Council as a legal advisor. He was apprehended in Lebowa due to his intention to attend a meeting that was banned by the local magistrate. However, he went ahead to create South Africa’s powerful union – the National Union of Mineworkers
