Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the most influential people in South Africa today. He is the current and fifth President of South Africa since 2018 and the Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC). He has had a long and distinguished career in politics, law, business, and civil society. But, there are some things that you may not know about Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.
1. He was a union leader
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa started his political career in the trade union movement. In 1982, he was elected Secretary General of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). During his time in the union, he was instrumental in negotiating the historic wage agreement with the Chamber of Mines. This agreement is credited with improving the lives of miners and their families and is seen as a major milestone in South African labor relations.
2. He was a businessman
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is also an accomplished businessman. He has served as Chairman of MTN South Africa, a leading telecommunications company, and is a shareholder in Shanduka Group, a diversified investment holding company. He is also the Chairman of Alexander Forbes, a financial services company.
3. He was an Anti-Apartheid Activist
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was an active member of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the ANC. He was arrested several times during the struggle against apartheid, including for attending a meeting of the UDF in 1985. He was also a member of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), which was a major part of the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid in South Africa.
4. He is a philanthropist
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is passionate about giving back to his community and country. He is the founder of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, which works to empower South Africans with the skills and resources to improve their lives. He has also been instrumental in initiatives such as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust, and the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust.
5. He is an author
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has written several books, including an autobiography titled ‘The Second Assassination of Chris Hani.’ He is also the author of ‘The Republic We Hope For Reflections on South Africa’s Future’, which offers his insights on the future of South Africa.
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is a highly accomplished and influential figure in South Africa and beyond. He has a long history of service to his country and a passion for making a difference in people’s lives. His dedication to bettering the lives of South Africans is admirable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
