Cyril Ramaphosa
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa (born 17 November 1952) is a South African lawyer, trade union leader, activist, politician and businessman. He was born in Soweto, Gauteng province. While Ramaphosa was previously a major figure in South African national politics, he has in recent years become a prominent figure in the business community.
Widely respected as a skilful and formidable negotiator and strategist, Ramaphosa is best known for building up the biggest and most powerful trade union in South Africa — the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) — as well as for the crucial role he played, with Roelf Meyer of the National Party, during the negotiations to bring about a peaceful end to apartheid and steer the country towards its first democratic elections in April 1994.
In recent times he has been criticised however for his business interests - including a seat on the board of Lonmin - causing him to betray people he used to represent. On 15 August 2012 he called for action against striking platinum miners engaged in 'dastardly criminal' conduct.
He is married to Dr. Tshepo Motsepe and he has four children (two with his current wife).
Read more about Cyril Ramaphosa: Early Life and Education, Political Activist and Trade Union Leader, Politician, Businessman, Controversy, Honorary Doctorates and Awards, International Positions