Cyril Ramaphosa: Biography, Family, Education, Career, Age, Marriage, Achievements, Net Worth 2025

Cyril Ramaphosa Biography

Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the most remarkable leaders in South Africa. He has lived many different lives in one lifetime. He was a student activist, a trade union leader, a lawyer, a very successful businessman, and later became the President of South Africa. His story is not just about politics or business; it is about resilience, patience, and determination to rise above challenges.

Early Life and Family

Cyril’s full name is Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and he was born on 17 November 1952 in Soweto, Johannesburg. Soweto was known as the heart of the struggle against apartheid. Growing up there exposed him early to the struggles of ordinary South Africans.

He was born into a family of three children, making him the second child. His father, Samuel Ramaphosa, worked as a policeman, while his mother, Erdmuth, was a homemaker who cared deeply for the family. The home was not rich, but it was full of discipline, love, and encouragement.

As a child, Cyril was described as quiet but very observant. He enjoyed reading and learning new things. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to work hard at school because education was seen as the only key to a better life.

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Schooling and Education

Cyril attended Tshilidzi Primary School, then went on to Sekano Ntoane High School. Later, he completed his matric at Mphaphuli High School in Limpopo in 1971.

In 1972, he enrolled at the University of the North (Turfloop) to study law. It was at university that his life took a new direction. He became very active in student politics, joining organizations like the South African Students Organisation (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC). These groups were strongly against the apartheid government and fought for the rights of Black people.

His involvement in politics attracted the anger of the apartheid government. In 1974, he was arrested and detained under the Terrorism Act, spending 11 months in solitary confinement. Two years later, in 1976, he was again arrested and kept in prison for six months during the Soweto Uprising.

Although his studies were interrupted, Cyril never gave up. He worked as a law clerk in Johannesburg while continuing his law degree through correspondence at the University of South Africa (UNISA). In 1981, he finally obtained his B. Proc degree in law.

Early Career and Trade Union Leadership

After completing his studies, Cyril Ramaphosa chose not to follow the easy path of practicing law in private offices. Instead, he used his legal skills to help workers who were being mistreated in South Africa’s tough mining industry.

In 1982, he became the first General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). At that time, the mines were one of the most dangerous workplaces. Black miners were underpaid, worked in unsafe conditions, and had almost no rights.

Ramaphosa fought tirelessly for them. He organized strikes, negotiated with mining companies, and brought international attention to the poor conditions of South African miners. Under his leadership, NUM grew into the largest and strongest trade union in the country. This success made him a national figure and prepared him for bigger roles in politics.

Political Career and Role in Ending Apartheid

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ramaphosa was already respected as a strong leader. In 1991, he was elected Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC). This was during the time when Nelson Mandela had been released from prison and apartheid was coming to an end.

Ramaphosa became one of the main negotiators in the talks between the apartheid government and the ANC. His calm and wise approach helped bring both sides to agreement. He was also deeply involved in drafting the new South African Constitution, which became law in 1996. This constitution is considered one of the most progressive in the world because it strongly protects human rights and equality.

Many South Africans believed that Nelson Mandela wanted Cyril Ramaphosa to become the next president. However, the ANC chose Thabo Mbeki instead. Though disappointed, Ramaphosa did not abandon his country. Instead, he looked for other ways to serve.

Business Ventures

In 1996, Ramaphosa decided to step away from politics for a while and focus on business. He founded an investment company called Shanduka Group in 2001. This company grew into one of the most powerful Black-owned businesses in South Africa.

Through Shanduka, Ramaphosa invested in many industries. He had stakes in telecommunications (MTN), McDonald’s South Africa, Standard Bank, Bidvest, Coca-Cola, and several mining companies. His investments made him one of the wealthiest Black businessmen in South Africa.

He also served on the boards of many top companies. This period of his life showed his ability to succeed in business just as he had succeeded in trade unions and politics.

Return to Politics and Presidency

After nearly two decades in business, Cyril Ramaphosa returned to politics. In 2012, he was elected Deputy President of the ANC, and in 2014, he became the Deputy President of South Africa under President Jacob Zuma.

In 2017, after years of internal struggles within the ANC, Ramaphosa contested for leadership of the party. He won and became the President of the ANC. Shortly after, in February 2018, Jacob Zuma resigned as President of South Africa, and Ramaphosa took over as the country’s fifth President.

As president, he promised to fight corruption, improve the economy, and create jobs. His leadership has not been without challenges, especially with South Africa facing unemployment, inequality, and economic struggles. Still, he remains a key figure in shaping the country’s future.

Marriage and Family Life

Cyril Ramaphosa has been married three times. His first marriage was to Hope Ramaphosa in 1979, but they divorced in 1989. They had one son together.

In 1991, he married Nomazizi Mtshotshisa, but their marriage ended in 1993.

In 1996, he married Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, a respected doctor and businesswoman. She is also the sister of South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe. She is now the First Lady of South Africa.

In total, Ramaphosa is believed to have five children. Although he is a public figure, he has always tried to protect his family’s privacy.

Achievements and Contributions

• Built NUM into the strongest trade union in the country.
• He played a key role in negotiations that ended apartheid.
• He helped draft the 1996 Constitution.
• Founded Shanduka Group and invested in many successful companies.
• Became South Africa’s fifth President in 2018.
• Donates part of his salary to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Net Worth

Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the richest politicians in Africa. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at around 450 million US dollars. Most of this wealth comes from his investments through Shanduka Group and his shares in major companies.

As President of South Africa, he earns about R 3.35 million per year (around 200,000 US dollars). Remarkably, he donates half of his presidential salary to charity.

Conclusion

Cyril Ramaphosa’s story is one of resilience and ambition. He grew up in Soweto during apartheid, faced prison as a young activist, fought for workers’ rights as a trade union leader, built a fortune as a businessman, and eventually rose to become the President of South Africa.

His journey shows that life can take many turns, but determination and focus can help a person succeed in different fields. Whether he is remembered more for his role in ending apartheid, his business empire, or his time as president, one thing is certain: Cyril Ramaphosa has left a strong mark on South Africa’s history.