Cyril Ramaphosa
Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African politician and businessman who has served as President of South Africa since 2018, leading the African National Congress through a challenging period of political transition.
A former anti-apartheid union leader turned successful businessman, Ramaphosa returned to frontline politics to lead his country and party through one of the most difficult periods since the end of apartheid.
From Anti-Apartheid Activism to Business
Ramaphosa rose to prominence as a leading anti-apartheid trade union organizer before building a successful business career, later returning to politics decades after South Africa's democratic transition.
Succeeding a Scandal-Plagued Predecessor
Ramaphosa became president in 2018 following the resignation of Jacob Zuma amid corruption scandals, taking on the challenge of restoring public trust in the African National Congress.
Navigating a Coalition Government
Following the ANC's loss of its parliamentary majority in 2024 for the first time since apartheid's end, Ramaphosa has led South Africa's first coalition government of the democratic era.
A Prominent Voice From the Global South
Ramaphosa has positioned South Africa as an influential voice among developing nations, including prominent roles within the BRICS group of major emerging economies.
