President Cyril Ramaphosa

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was born on 17 November 1952 in Johannesburg. His family was moved from Western Native Township to Soweto in 1962, where he attended Tshilidzi Primary School. He completed high school at Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda in 1971.

He registered to study law at the University of the North in 1972, where he became involved in student politics, joining the South African Student Organisation (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC). He was detained in solitary confinement for 11 months in 1974 under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act for organising pro-Frelimo rallies. He was detained for the second time and held for six months in 1976 following the Soweto student uprising.

While a law clerk for a Johannesburg firm of attorneys, he continued his studies through the University of South Africa (UNISA) obtaining his B. Proc degree in 1981. He then joined the Council of Unions of South Africa (CUSA) as a legal advisor.

In 1982, at the request of the Council of Unions of South Africa (CUSA) he founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) with James Motlatsi and Elijah Barayi, and became the union’s first General Secretary. He was instrumental in building NUM into the most powerful union at the time, with membership rising from 6 000 to 300 000 during his tenure. He led mineworkers in one of the biggest strikes in South Africa’s history in 1987.

ConCourt sets date for MK Party’s case against Cyril Ramaphosa over Senzo Mchunu

The Constitutional Court has outlined the directions in former President Jacob Zuma and his MK Party’s challenge against President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of...

‘Cyril Ramaphosa failed to fire Senzo Mchunu as they’re in same faction’

Economic Freedom Fighters President Julius Malema has slighted President Cyril Ramaphosa for dealing with allegations against suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in a "partisan"...
Ramaphosa wishes Salgado well

Cyril Ramaphosa sends best wishes to injured Banyana star Gabriela Salgado

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his best wishes to Gabriela Salgado, the star of Banyana Banyana, who sustained a terrible leg injury against Nigeria...
Ramaphosa to address the nation on Sunday

ANALYSIS| Why Nobuhle Nkabane was fired, Senzo Mchunu sparred

President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally pulled the trigger by firing blabbermouth, suicide bomber, and now former Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle...

Businessman who ‘placed’ photos of Cyril Ramaphosa, Jacob Zuma in urinals charged

A Free State businessman who is accused of racism after placing pictures of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Jacob Zuma, his ex-wife Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and...
Nkabane apologises to Terry Motau

Cyril Ramaphosa sends higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane packing

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sacked Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from her position as the higher education minister. In a statement issued on Monday night, the...
Mischievous ANC leaders use Fikile Mbalula as a scapegoat  

Mischievous ANC leaders use Fikile Mbalula as a scapegoat  

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula is being used as a scapegoat by his mischievous colleagues who apportion the blame on him for the party’s...
Costs for Mabuza's funeral remain unknown

Presidency mum on David Mabuza’s category two funeral costs

The Presidency has remained tight-lipped on how much the state spent on the funeral of former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza, who was laid...
Mchunu ready to defend himself

Senzo Mchunu breaks his silence, eagerly waiting to defend himself

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has broken his silence since he was placed on a leave of absence on Sunday by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Mchunu was...
LAM applaud Ramaphosa's move to place Senzo Mchunu on leave

Cyril Ramaphosa defends democracy against John Hlophe’s SA ‘laundry list’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired back at uMkhonto weSizwe deputy president John Hlophe’s criticism of South Africa’s challenges, accusing him of ignoring the progress...