:Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa was born in Soweto, Johannesburg, on 17 November 1952, to Venda parents.{{cite book|title=Cyril Ramaphosa |last=Butler |first=Anthony |publisher=Jacana |year=2011 |isbn=9781431401840|location=Johannesburg|pages=1}}{{cite news|url=http://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/981959/ramaphosa-not-born-in-limpopo/|title=Ramaphosa 'not born in Limpopo'|first1=Ngwako |last1=Modjadji |first2=Alex |last2=Matlala|work=The Citizen|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812214111/http://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/981959/ramaphosa-not-born-in-limpopo/|url-status=live}} He is the second of the three children to Erdmuth and retired policeman Samuel Ramaphosa.{{cite web|url=http://www.youthvillage.co.za/2013/10/25-things-dont-know-cyril-ramaphosa/|title=25 Things you don't know about Cyril Ramaphosa|date=25 October 2013|website=Youth Village|access-date=12 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812215710/http://www.youthvillage.co.za/2013/10/25-things-dont-know-cyril-ramaphosa/|archive-date=12 August 2017}} He attended Tshilidzi Primary School and Sekano Ntoane High School in Soweto.{{cite news|url=http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/cyril-matamela-ramaphosa|title=Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa|date=17 February 2011|work=South African History Online|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=19 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219084705/http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/cyril-matamela-ramaphosa|url-status=live}} In 1971, he matriculated from Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda where he was elected head of the Student Christian Movement.{{cite web|url=https://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-opinion/soapbox/who-is-cyril-ramaphosa/|title=Who is Cyril Ramaphosa?|work=Moneyweb |date=21 December 2017|access-date=23 August 2018|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627144253/https://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-opinion/soapbox/who-is-cyril-ramaphosa/|url-status=live}} He subsequently registered to study law at the University of the North (Turfloop) in Limpopo Province in 1972.{{cite web|url=http://www.africansuccess.org/visuFiche.php?id=237&|title=African Success : Biography of Cyril RAMAPHOSA|website=africansuccess.org|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106135733/http://www.africansuccess.org/visuFiche.php?id=237&|archive-date=6 November 2018|url-status=dead}}

While at university, Ramaphosa became involved in student politics and joined the South African Students' Organisation (SASO){{cite web|url=http://overcomingapartheid.msu.edu/people.php?id=65-251-B1|title=South Africa: Overcoming Apartheid|website=overcomingapartheid.msu.edu|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825211413/http://overcomingapartheid.msu.edu/people.php?id=65-251-B1|url-status=live}} and the Black People's Convention (BPC).{{cite web|url=http://gec.co/users/deputy-president-cyril-ramaphosa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316110335/http://www.gec.co/users/deputy-president-cyril-ramaphosa|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 March 2017|title=Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa|website=gec.co|access-date=12 August 2017}} This resulted in him being detained in solitary confinement for eleven months in 1974 under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act, 1967, for organising pro-Frelimo rallies.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-20767093|title=Cyril Ramaphosa – the man who wants to make South Africa great|date=2 August 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811121044/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-20767093|url-status=live}} In 1976 he was detained again, following the unrest in Soweto, and held for six months at John Vorster Square under the Terrorism Act. After his release, he became a law clerk for a Johannesburg firm of attorneys and continued with his legal studies through correspondence with the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he obtained his Bachelor of Procurationis degree (B. Proc.) in 1981.{{cite news|url=http://www.observer.com.na/index.php/opinions/item/782-the-curious-case-of-comrade-cyril|title=The curious case of Comrade Cyril – Windhoek Observer|last=Kaumbi|first=Uazuva|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812212008/http://www.observer.com.na/index.php/opinions/item/782-the-curious-case-of-comrade-cyril|url-status=live}}

After completing his legal qualifications and obtaining his degree, Ramaphosa joined the Council of Unions of South Africa (CUSA) as an advisor in the legal department.{{cite web|url=http://yworld.co.za/yworld/tih/today_in_history?search-day=26&search-year=16&search-month=11|title=Today in History|website=yworld.co.za|access-date=14 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812214039/http://yworld.co.za/yworld/tih/today_in_history?search-day=26&search-year=16&search-month=11|archive-date=12 August 2017|url-status=dead}} In 1982, CUSA requested that Ramaphosa start a union for mineworkers; this new union was launched in the same year and was named the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Ramaphosa was arrested in Lebowa, on the charge of organising or planning to take part in a meeting in Namakgale which had been banned by the local magistrate.{{cite news|url=http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/ramaphosa-arrested|title=Ramaphosa is arrested|date=16 March 2011|work=South African History Online|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812214429/http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/ramaphosa-arrested|url-status=live}}

In August 1982, CUSA resolved to form the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and in December Ramaphosa became its first secretary. Ramaphosa was the conference organiser in the preparations leading to the formation of the Congress of the South African Trade Union (COSATU). He delivered a keynote address at Cosatu's launch rally in Durban in December 1985. In March 1986, he was part of COSATU's delegation which met the African National Congress in Lusaka, Zambia.{{cite web |date=19 December 2017 |title=Tracking Cyril's political career |url=http://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/cape-times/20171219/281479276772087 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051204/http://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/cape-times/20171219/281479276772087 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |website=Cape Times}}

Ramaphosa was elected as the first general secretary of the union, a position he held until he resigned in June 1991, following his election as secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC). Under his leadership, union membership grew from 6,000 in 1982 to 300,000 in 1992, giving it control of nearly half of the total black workforce in the South African mining industry. As general secretary, he, James Motlatsi (president of NUM), and Elijah Barayi (vice-president of NUM) also led the mineworkers in one of the biggest strikes ever in South African history.

In December 1988, Ramaphosa and other prominent members of the Soweto community met Soweto's mayor to discuss the rent boycott crisis.{{cite news |last1=Battersby |first1=John D. |title=Blacks Pressing A Rent Boycott In South Africa |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/22/world/blacks-pressing-a-rent-boycott-in-south-africa.html |access-date=8 November 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=22 February 1988 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108211413/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/22/world/blacks-pressing-a-rent-boycott-in-south-africa.html |url-status=live }}

In 1985, the NUM broke away from CUSA and helped to establish the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). When COSATU joined forces with the United Democratic Front (UDF) political movement against the National Party government of P. W. Botha, Ramaphosa took a leading role in what became known as the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM).{{cite news |last1=Spector |first1=J. Brooks |title=The UDF at 30: An organisation that shook Apartheid's foundation |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2013-08-22-the-udf-at-30-an-organisation-that-shook-apartheids-foundation/ |access-date=8 November 2019 |newspaper=The Daily Maverick |date=22 August 2013 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108211412/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2013-08-22-the-udf-at-30-an-organisation-that-shook-apartheids-foundation/ |url-status=live }}

Ramaphosa has claimed that he is a committed socialist.{{cite news |last1=Gon |first1=Sara |date=27 August 2018 |title=Ramaphosa says he's a socialist – believe him! |newspaper=Rational Standard |publisher=Institute of Race Relations |url=https://irr.org.za/media/ramaphosa-says-he2019s-a-socialist-2013-believe-him-rational-standard |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108212432/https://irr.org.za/media/ramaphosa-says-he2019s-a-socialist-2013-believe-him-rational-standard |archive-date=8 November 2019}}

After the ANC was unbanned in early 1990, Ramaphosa became increasingly close with the organisation. In January 1990, he accompanied released ANC political prisoners to the ANC headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia; and, later, that year, he served as chairman of the National Reception Committee, which coordinated arrangements for Nelson Mandela's release from prison, including concomitant celebratory rallies.{{cite web |title=President Cyril Ramaphosa: Profile |url=https://www.dpme.gov.za/about/Pages/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225191224/https://www.dpme.gov.za/about/Pages/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa.aspx |archive-date=25 February 2020 |access-date=8 November 2019 |website=Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation}} Ramaphosa was elected Secretary-General of the ANC at the party's 48th National Conference in Durban in July 1991, and subsequently became head of the ANC's delegation to the negotiations that ended apartheid. He was also a visiting professor of law at Stanford University in October 1991.

Following the first fully democratic elections in 1994, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) and was elected the chairperson of its Constitutional Assembly on 24 May 1994, a central role in Mandela's Government of National Unity. He was also re-elected, unopposed, as ANC Secretary-General at the party's 49th National Conference in December 1994.{{cite web |title=49th National Conference: National Executive Committee as elected at Conference |url=https://www.anc1912.org.za/49th-national-conference-national-executive-committee-as-elected-at-conference/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109171914/https://www.anc1912.org.za/49th-national-conference-national-executive-committee-as-elected-at-conference/ |archive-date=9 November 2021 |access-date=4 December 2021 |website=ANC |date=25 March 2021 }} However, in 1996, he resigned from ANC office and from Parliament and announced his retreat from politics,{{cite web |date=14 April 1996 |title=Top S. African Official Quits for Business Post |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-04-14-mn-58558-story.html |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106160510/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-04-14-mn-58558-story.html |url-status=live }} reportedly because he was disappointed that Thabo Mbeki had been anointed Mandela's successor.{{cite news |last=Gedye |first=Lloyd |date=2 November 2012 |title=Ramaphosa: The ANC's prodigal son returns |work=Mail & Guardian |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-11-02-00-ramaphosa-the-ancs-prodigal-son-returns |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112022039/https://mg.co.za/article/2012-11-02-00-ramaphosa-the-ancs-prodigal-son-returns |archive-date=12 November 2017}}{{cite book |last=Lodge |first=Tom |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/99996633 |title=Mandela : a critical life |date=2006 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-151723-5 |location=Oxford |pages=211 |oclc=99996633 |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615143752/https://search.worldcat.org/title/99996633 |url-status=live }}

After he resigned from politics, Ramaphosa became a businessman, taking advantage of the conducive environment provided by the new Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy. Among other positions, he was executive chairman of the Shanduka Group, a company he founded, which invested in mineral resources, energy, real estate, banking, insurance, and telecoms (SEACOM).{{cite news |date=20 September 2010 |title=Shanduka Group sees leadership changes |newspaper=IOL |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/shanduka-group-sees-leadership-changes-808520 |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210720/https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/shanduka-group-sees-leadership-changes-808520 |archive-date=8 November 2019}} By 2014, Shanduka was worth more than R20-billion, and the Ramaphosa family's Tshivhase Trust was its majority shareholder.{{cite news |date=18 September 2014 |title=Ramaphosa declares R76-million, rest kept confidential |newspaper=Mail & Guardian |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-18-ramaphosa-declares-r76-million-rest-kept-confidential |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210723/https://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-18-ramaphosa-declares-r76-million-rest-kept-confidential |archive-date=8 November 2019}} Ramaphosa was also a chairman of Bidvest, MTN, and from March 2007, Mondi, a leading international paper and packaging group. His other non-executive directorships included Macsteel Holdings, Alexander Forbes, SABMiller, Lonmin, Anglo American, and Standard Bank.{{cite news |date=23 January 2013 |title=Ramaphosa exits Lonmin, Mondi boards |newspaper=IOL |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/ramaphosa-exits-lonmin-mondi-boards-1457304 |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210723/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/ramaphosa-exits-lonmin-mondi-boards-1457304 |archive-date=8 November 2019}}{{cite web |last=Nsehe |first=Mfonobong |date=5 July 2011 |title=Rich and Powerful Africans: Cyril Ramaphosa |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2011/07/05/rich-and-powerful-africans-cyril-ramaphosa/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Forbes |archive-date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033825/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2011/07/05/rich-and-powerful-africans-cyril-ramaphosa/ |url-status=live }} In 2011, Ramaphosa paid for a 20-year master franchise agreement to run 145 McDonald's restaurants in South Africa.{{cite news |date=17 March 2011 |title=McDonald's South Africa chain bought by Cyril Ramaphosa |newspaper=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/12777271 |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130012733/https://www.bbc.com/news/12777271 |archive-date=30 November 2019}} He also belonged to the Coca-Cola Company International Advisory Board and the Unilever Africa Advisory Council.

Ramaphosa's various shareholdings made him one of South Africa's richest men.{{cite news |date=22 December 2012 |title=Return of a prodigal son |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21568754-ruling-party-anoints-crown-prince-return-prodigal-son |url-status=live |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805142730/https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21568754-ruling-party-anoints-crown-prince-return-prodigal-son |archive-date=5 August 2017}} According to the Sunday Times, his estimated net worth of R2.22 billion made him the 13th richest person in South Africa in 2011, and that figure jumped to R3.1 billion in 2012.{{cite web |last=Marais |first=Jana |date=16 September 2012 |title=Rich still in pound seats |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2012-09-16-rich-still-in-pound-seats/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Sunday Times |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180933/https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2012-09-16-rich-still-in-pound-seats/ |url-status=live }} Both estimates, moreover, excluded his unlisted investments through Shanduka, including the McDonald's franchise agreement and a coal-mining partnership with Glencore.

During a visit to Uganda in 2004, Ramaphosa became interested in the Ankole breed of cattle. Because of inadequate disease control measures in Uganda, the South African government denied him permission to import any of the breed. Instead, Ramaphosa purchased 43 cows from Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni and shipped them to Kenya, where they were artificially inseminated; the embryos were then removed and shipped to South Africa, to be transferred to quarantined cows. As of August 2017, Ramaphosa had 100 Ankole breeding cows at his Ntaba Nyoni farm in Mpumalanga.{{cite web |date=22 August 2017 |title=Ankole Longhorn: Cyril Ramaphosa's passion and pride |url=https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/cattle/ankole-longhorn-cyril-ramaphosas-passion-pride/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016182359/https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/cattle/ankole-longhorn-cyril-ramaphosas-passion-pride/ |archive-date=16 October 2017 |access-date=16 October 2017 |website=Farmers Weekly}}{{cite web |date=12 May 2017 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa's Ankole bull sells for R640 000 |url=https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/south-africa/cyril-ramaphosas-ankole-bull-sells-r640-000/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016182403/https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/south-africa/cyril-ramaphosas-ankole-bull-sells-r640-000/ |archive-date=16 October 2017 |access-date=16 October 2017 |website=Farmers Weekly}} That year, he co-wrote a book about the breed, Cattle of the Ages: Stories, and Portraits of the Ankole Cattle of Southern Africa.{{cite news |title=Ramaphosa writes book on cattle |work=Independent |url=https://www.iol.co.za/ios/news/ramaphosa-writes-book-on-cattle-11567386 |url-status=live |access-date=16 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016173941/https://www.iol.co.za/ios/news/ramaphosa-writes-book-on-cattle-11567386 |archive-date=16 October 2017}}

His resignation from politics notwithstanding, Ramaphosa occasionally accepted positions in the public eye, both abroad and in South Africa. He became the first Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council, and, in 1998, the Chairman of South Africa's BEE Commission.{{cite book |author=Black Economic Empowerment Commission |url=https://www.westerncape.gov.za/text/2004/5/beecomreport.pdf |title=A National Integrated Black Economic Empowerment Strategy |publisher=Skotaville Press |year=2001 |isbn=9781919882024 |location=Johannesburg |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215150205/https://www.westerncape.gov.za/text/2004/5/beecomreport.pdf |url-status=live }} In 2000, he was appointed to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning as an arms inspector, responsible for supervising the decommissioning of Irish Republican Army armaments in Northern Ireland.{{cite web |title=Reports of the Weapons Inspectors |url=http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/peace/decommission/iicdreports.htm#wi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206185315/http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/peace/decommission/iicdreports.htm#wi |archive-date=6 December 2010 |access-date=11 October 2008 |work=Reports and Statements by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) |publisher=CAIN}} And, in April 2010, he was appointed by President Jacob Zuma to the National Planning Commission, where he served as deputy chairperson to Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel.{{cite web |date=30 April 2010 |title=Ramaphosa, Godsell on National Planning Commission |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2010-04-30-ramaphosa-godsell-on-national-planning-commission/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=The Mail & Guardian |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180933/https://mg.co.za/article/2010-04-30-ramaphosa-godsell-on-national-planning-commission/ |url-status=live }}

In the 2007–2008 Kenyan crisis, which followed the disputed re-election of President Mwai Kibaki in December 2007, Ramaphosa was unanimously chosen by Kofi Annan's mediation team to be the chief mediator in charge of long-term talks. However, Kibaki's government protested Ramaphosa's involvement, saying that he had business links with Kibaki's opponent Raila Odinga.{{cite web |date=4 February 2008 |title=Kenya Rejects S African Mediator |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/0B264046-B4C2-415D-966F-D6F70D1A43EE.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207125543/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/0B264046-B4C2-415D-966F-D6F70D1A43EE.htm |archive-date=7 February 2008 |access-date=4 February 2008 |website=Al Jazeera}} According to Ramaphosa, Odinga had visited him in 2007, but he did not have any "special interest" that would lead him to favour one side or the other;{{cite web |title=IOL: News for South Africa and the World |url=http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id%3D1%26click_id%3D68%26art_id%3Dvn20080204060448336C666005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615021453/http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 |archive-date=15 June 2006 |access-date=7 February 2008}} however, he said that he could not be an effective mediator without "the trust and confidence of all parties" and that he did not wish to become an obstacle to the negotiations.{{cite web |title=IOL: News for South Africa and the World |url=http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id%3D1%26click_id%3D3016%26art_id%3Dnw20080204142426222C284380 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615021453/http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 |archive-date=15 June 2006 |access-date=8 February 2008}} He therefore withdrew from the talks on 4 February. However, he returned to a peacemaking role in 2014, when – in his capacity as Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission – he served as the South African President's Special Envoy to South Sudan during the South Sudanese civil war.{{cite web |date=5 March 2014 |title=Deputy Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa undertakes working visit to South Sudan, 5 to 12 Mar |url=https://www.gov.za/special-envoy-south-sudan-mr-cyril-ramaphosa-deputy-chairperson-national-planning-commission-visits |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=South African Government |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180937/https://www.gov.za/special-envoy-south-sudan-mr-cyril-ramaphosa-deputy-chairperson-national-planning-commission-visits |url-status=live }}

Ramaphosa also continued to accept nominations to the National Executive Committee of the ANC: at the 50th National Conference in 1997, he received the most votes of any candidate;{{cite web |date=10 November 2014 |title=50th National Conference: NEC Election Results |url=http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=2451 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110194329/http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=2451 |archive-date=10 November 2014 |access-date=10 December 2021 |website=ANC}} and at the 51st National Conference in 2002, he received the second-most.{{cite web |last=Battersby |first=John |date=20 December 2002 |title=ANC gets tough on Reds in its bed |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/anc-gets-tough-on-reds-in-its-bed-99198 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210125931/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/anc-gets-tough-on-reds-in-its-bed-99198 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |access-date=10 December 2021 |website=IOL }} Ahead of the 52nd National Conference in 2007, he denied persistent rumours that he intended to join the race to replace Mbeki as ANC president;{{cite web |last=Le Roux |first=Mariette |date=24 June 2006 |title=Mandela remains neutral on Ramaphosa |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/mandela-remains-neutral-on-ramaphosa-286665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210082032/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/mandela-remains-neutral-on-ramaphosa-286665 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |access-date=9 December 2021 |website=IOL }}{{cite web |date=22 July 2006 |title=Ramaphosa joins ANC race |url=http://www.news24.com/City_Press/News/0,,186-187_1971945,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516130427/http://www.news24.com/City_Press/News/0%2C%2C186-187_1971945%2C00.html |archive-date=16 May 2007 |work=CityPress}} that year, he ranked 30th on the list of most popular NEC candidates.{{cite web |last=Boyle |first=Brendan |date=21 December 2007 |title=Winnie Mandela tops ANC election list |url=http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id%3D666599 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002120731/http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=666599 |archive-date=2 October 2008 |access-date=3 February 2016 |work=The Times}}

{{Main|53rd National Conference of the African National Congress}}

File:Cyril Ramaphose greeting President of Chile.jpg in Santiago, 8 August 2014.]]

Ramaphosa made his return to political leadership in 2012, ahead of the ANC's 53rd National Conference, when he received nominations to become ANC Deputy President. On 20 May 2012, Derek Hanekom, an ANC MP, publicly encouraged Ramaphosa to run for the ANC presidency, saying, "We need leaders of comrade Cyril's calibre. I know Cyril is very good at business, but I really wish he would put all his money in a trust and step up for a higher and more senior position". Ramaphosa dismissed the resulting speculation, saying, "You can't read anything [into what Hanekom said]. He was joking".{{cite news |title=Hanekom talks up Ramaphosa |url=https://www.news24.com/Archives/City-Press/Hanekom-talks-up-Ramaphosa-20150429 |access-date=8 November 2019 |newspaper=News24 |date=19 May 2012 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108212146/https://www.news24.com/Archives/City-Press/Hanekom-talks-up-Ramaphosa-20150429 |url-status=live }}

Indeed, Ramaphosa did not confirm his intention to accept the deputy presidential nomination until 16 December, the day before the conference began.{{cite web|first=David|last=Smith|date=16 December 2012 |title=ANC attempts to regroup as Nelson Mandela recovers in hospital |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/16/anc-regroups-as-nelson-mandela-recovers |access-date=11 December 2021 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615143751/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/16/anc-regroups-as-nelson-mandela-recovers |url-status=live }} However, he received strong backing from incumbent President Jacob Zuma – a partnership viewed as a strategic attempt by Zuma to "outsmart and punish" Kgalema Motlanthe, who was challenging Zuma for the presidency but whose constituency was similar to Ramaphosa's, given their shared union backgrounds and polished reputations.{{cite web |last=Munusamy |first=Ranjeni |date=20 December 2012 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa: the return of Nelson Mandela's chosen one |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/20/cyril-ramaphosa-return-nelson-mandela |access-date=15 January 2022 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615143909/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/20/cyril-ramaphosa-return-nelson-mandela |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Grootes |first=Stephen |date=13 June 2021 |title=Kgalema Motlanthe returns to support Ramaphosa when trusted people are few and far between |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-13-kgalema-motlanthe-returns-to-support-ramaphosa-when-trusted-people-are-few-and-far-between/ |access-date=14 January 2022 |website=Daily Maverick |archive-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114233611/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-13-kgalema-motlanthe-returns-to-support-ramaphosa-when-trusted-people-are-few-and-far-between/ |url-status=live }} Ramaphosa elected ANC Deputy President in a resounding victory on 18 December: he received 3,018 votes, while Mathews Phosa received 470 votes and Tokyo Sexwale received 463 votes.{{cite news |last1=Subramany |first1=Deshnee |date=18 December 2012 |title=Mangaung: The ANC's newly elected top six |newspaper=Mail & Guardian |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-12-18-mangaung-the-ancs-newly-elected-top-six |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109013821/https://mg.co.za/article/2012-12-18-mangaung-the-ancs-newly-elected-top-six |archive-date=9 November 2019}}

{{See also|Presidency of Jacob Zuma}}

After his reelection in the 2014 elections, President Zuma appointed Ramaphosa the Deputy President of South Africa on 25 May 2014; Ramaphosa was sworn into office by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng the following day.{{cite web |last=Bauer |first=Nickolaus |date=25 May 2014 |title=Ramaphosa the comeback kid of SA politics |url=https://www.enca.com/south-africa/ramaphosa-comeback-kid-sa-politics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222043746/https://www.enca.com/south-africa/ramaphosa-comeback-kid-sa-politics |archive-date=22 February 2018 |access-date=21 February 2018 |website=eNCA}}

After his election as ANC Deputy President, Ramaphosa had begun the process of resigning from various business positions, and in 2014 he concluded the process, as required by the Executive Ethics Code. This entailed his exit from Shanduka,{{cite news |last1=Mataboge |first1=Mmanaledi |date=27 May 2014 |title=Ramaphosa withdraws from Shanduka Group |work=Mail & Guardian |agency= |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2014-05-27-00-ramaphosa-withdraws-from-shanduka-group |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210721/https://mg.co.za/article/2014-05-27-00-ramaphosa-withdraws-from-shanduka-group |archive-date=8 November 2019}} from McDonald's South Africa,{{cite news |last1=Peyper |first1=Liesl |date=21 September 2016 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa selling McDonald's SA to foreign firm |newspaper=Fin24 |url=https://www.fin24.com/Companies/Retail/cyril-ramaphosa-selling-mcdonalds-sa-to-foreign-firm-20160921 |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210719/https://www.fin24.com/Companies/Retail/cyril-ramaphosa-selling-mcdonalds-sa-to-foreign-firm-20160921 |archive-date=8 November 2019}} from platinum producer Lonmin, and from all other companies which might give rise to a conflict of interest, particularly in industries regulated by the government.{{cite web |date=26 November 2014 |title=Ramaphosa puts business interests in trust |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/ramaphosa-puts-business-interests-in-trust-20141126-4 |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Fin24 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180934/https://www.news24.com/fin24/ramaphosa-puts-business-interests-in-trust-20141126-4 |url-status=live }} His other interests – including a share trading company, his livestock farms, his property interests, and a sports car company – were placed in a blind trust. Parliament's 2014 Register of Members' Interests reflected over R76-million in company shares held by Ramaphosa (although that figure excluded shares held together with private individuals), as well as his ownership of 30 townhouses in Johannesburg and two apartments in Cape Town.{{cite news |date=17 September 2014 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa declares R76m in shares, but ... |newspaper=CityPress |url=https://www.news24.com/Archives/City-Press/Cyril-Ramaphosa-declares-R76m-in-shares-but-20150430 |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210720/https://www.news24.com/Archives/City-Press/Cyril-Ramaphosa-declares-R76m-in-shares-but-20150430 |archive-date=8 November 2019}}

Alongside his duties as Deputy President, Ramaphosa was made Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly in terms of section 91(4) of the Constitution, a role which involved coordinating between Parliament and Zuma's cabinet. On 3 June, Zuma also appointed him the Chairman of the National Planning Commission, with Jeff Radebe as his deputy.{{cite web |last=Paton |first=Carol |date=3 June 2014 |title=Zuma appoints Ramaphosa to planning role |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2014-06-03-zuma-appoints-ramaphosa-to-planning-role/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Business Day |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180933/https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2014-06-03-zuma-appoints-ramaphosa-to-planning-role/ |url-status=live }} In addition, Ramaphosa was responsible for developing a proposal to implement a national minimum wage, leading consultation on the matter between Zuma's administration and representatives of labour and business.{{cite web |last=Orderson |first=Crystal |date=8 February 2017 |title=South Africa's presidential frontrunner announces country's first minimum wage |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/843/south-africas-presidential-frontrunner-announces-countrys-first-minimum-wage/ |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=The Africa Report |archive-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112233400/https://www.theafricareport.com/843/south-africas-presidential-frontrunner-announces-countrys-first-minimum-wage/ |url-status=live }} The proposal was approved by cabinet in November 2017.{{cite web |last=Mokone |first=Thabo |date=2 November 2017 |title=National minimum wage to be implemented in May 2018 |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2017-11-02-national-minimum-wage-of-r3200-per-month-to-be-implemented-in-may-2018/ |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Sunday Times |archive-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112233402/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2017-11-02-national-minimum-wage-of-r3200-per-month-to-be-implemented-in-may-2018/ |url-status=live }}

In July 2014, Ramaphosa called for unity in the country after Julius Malema argued that the Afrikaans portion of the national anthem should be scrapped. Ramaphosa said, "We are about building a nation and we must extend a hand of friendship, a hand of continued reconciliation to those who feel that the national anthem does not represent them any longer, and it can happen on both sides".[https://www.news24.com/Drum/Archive/ramaphosa-controversy-over-die-stem-unfortunate-20170728 Ramaphosa: Controversy over "Die Stem" unfortunate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222044043/https://www.news24.com/Drum/Archive/ramaphosa-controversy-over-die-stem-unfortunate-20170728 |date=22 February 2018 }}, Drum, 24 July 2014 Late in Zuma's term, Ramaphosa also began to address publicly the widespread allegations of corruption in Zuma's administration.{{cite web |date=13 January 2017 |title=Ramaphosa steps up to the plate ... at last |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-01-13-00-the-deputy-presidents-pivot-on-zuma-and-corruption-is-laudable-but-why-now/ |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207232525/https://mg.co.za/article/2017-01-13-00-the-deputy-presidents-pivot-on-zuma-and-corruption-is-laudable-but-why-now/ |url-status=live }}

File:Cumbre Global de Gobierno Abierto 2015 (21936041494).jpg, 28 October 2015]]

In 2018, Ramaphosa, in Zuma's stead, led South Africa's delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, to promote investment and business in South Africa.{{cite news |last1=Groenewald |first1=Yolandi |date=18 January 2018 |title=We'll win over sceptics in Davos – Ramaphosa |work=Fin24 |url=https://www.fin24.com/Economy/well-win-over-sceptics-in-davos-ramaphosa-20180118 |url-status=live |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109082411/https://www.fin24.com/Economy/well-win-over-sceptics-in-davos-ramaphosa-20180118 |archive-date=9 November 2019}} His other official trips abroad included a two-day working visit to Vietnam and Singapore, the objectives of which included consolidating trade relations, as well as the opportunity for South Africa to learn from the Singaporean economic model and the role it prescribed for state-owned enterprises.[http://www.dirco.gov.za/dircoenewsletter/newsflasha243-06-10-2016.html "Deputy President Ramaphosa On Working Visit to Vietnam and Singapore"]. Department of International Relations and Cooperation. 10 October 2016. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207072025/http://www.dirco.gov.za/dircoenewsletter/newsflasha243-06-10-2016.html|date=7 February 2017}}.[https://www.gov.za/speeches/deputy-president-cyril-ramaphosa-lauds-visit-singapore-9-oct-2016-0000 "Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa lauds visit to Singapore"] . The Presidency. 9 October 2016. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925070829/https://www.gov.za/speeches/deputy-president-cyril-ramaphosa-lauds-visit-singapore-9-oct-2016-0000|date=25 September 2018}}.[http://www.enca.com/south-africa/ramaphosa-in-vietnam-to-boost-trade-ties "Ramaphosa in Vietnam to boost trade ties"]. eNCA. 5 October 2016. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222044723/http://www.enca.com/south-africa/ramaphosa-in-vietnam-to-boost-trade-ties|date=22 February 2018}}. Ramaphosa also continued to serve as Zuma's Special Envoy during the mediation in the South Sudanese conflict,{{cite web |last=Fabricius |first=Peter |date=4 June 2015 |title=Ramaphosa navigates a minefield in South Sudan |url=https://issafrica.org/iss-today/ramaphosa-navigates-a-minefield-in-south-sudan |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=ISS Africa |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180938/https://issafrica.org/iss-today/ramaphosa-navigates-a-minefield-in-south-sudan |url-status=live }} and participated in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mediation in neighbouring Lesotho.{{cite web |date=16 February 2017 |title=Electoral Mediation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho and Kenya |url=https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/electoral-mediation-democratic-republic-congo-lesotho-kenya/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=ACCORD |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106180936/https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/electoral-mediation-democratic-republic-congo-lesotho-kenya/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|54th National Conference of the African National Congress}}

Ramaphosa stood for the ANC presidency in 2017, at the expiry of Zuma's term. Although he received the NUM's endorsement as early as September 2016,{{cite web |date=26 September 2016 |title=NUM officially backs Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed Zuma as ANC president |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-09-26-num-enters-anc-succession-debate-launches-ramaphosa-4-president-campaign/ |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian }} his campaign did not begin until April 2017.{{cite web |last=Munusamy |first=Ranjeni |date=23 April 2017 |title=#CR2017, We Have Liftoff: Ramaphosa takes aim at Zuma, state capture |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-04-24-cr2017-we-have-liftoff-ramaphosa-takes-aim-at-zuma-state-capture/ |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=Daily Maverick |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615143755/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-04-24-cr2017-we-have-liftoff-ramaphosa-takes-aim-at-zuma-state-capture/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=24 April 2017 |title=Ramaphosa finally throws hat into the ring, slams Zuptas and ANC vote-buying |url=https://www.biznews.com/leadership/2017/04/24/ramaphosa-zuptas-anc-vote-buying |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611170720/http://www.biznews.com/leadership/2017/04/24/ramaphosa-zuptas-anc-vote-buying/ |archive-date=11 June 2017 |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=BizNews }}{{cite web |date=24 April 2017 |title=Ramaphosa 'launches' campaign with attack on Zuma, Guptas |url=https://www.polity.org.za/print-version/ramaphosa-launches-campaign-with-attack-on-zuma-guptas-2017-04-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207232520/https://www.polity.org.za/print-version/ramaphosa-launches-campaign-with-attack-on-zuma-guptas-2017-04-24 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=Polity }} Under the banner #CR17 Siyavuma,{{cite news |last=Whittles |first=Govan |date=1 September 2017 |title=ANC presidential race wide open |work=Mail & Guardian |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-09-01-00-anc-presidential-race-wide-open |url-status=live |access-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912225551/https://mg.co.za/article/2017-09-01-00-anc-presidential-race-wide-open |archive-date=12 September 2017}} Ramaphosa ran on anti-corruption platform, with an emphasis on economic policies conducive to industrialisation and investment.{{cite news |last1=de Villiers |first1=James |last2=Mathebula |first2=Austil |date=4 November 2017 |title=The ANC will remove liars, thieves, at its elective conference in December – Ramaphosa |work=News24 |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/the-anc-will-remove-liars-thieves-at-its-elective-conference-in-december-ramaphosa-20171104 |url-status=live |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063038/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/the-anc-will-remove-liars-thieves-at-its-elective-conference-in-december-ramaphosa-20171104 |archive-date=8 January 2018}}{{cite web |date=6 August 2017 |title=No going back for presidential hopeful Ramaphosa |url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/no-going-back-for-presidential-hopeful-ramaphosa-20170805 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910220945/http://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/no-going-back-for-presidential-hopeful-ramaphosa-20170805 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |access-date=18 December 2017 |website=News24}} He was endorsed by Cosatu and the SACP;{{cite web |date=1 September 2017 |title=ANC presidential race wide open |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-09-01-00-anc-presidential-race-wide-open/ |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=The Mail & Guardian |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207232528/https://mg.co.za/article/2017-09-01-00-anc-presidential-race-wide-open/ |url-status=live }} by the provincial leadership of the ANC's Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng provinces; and by politicians including education minister Angie Motshekga,{{cite web |date=3 December 2017 |title=Motshekga jumps off ANCWL's NDZ bandwagon, picks Ramaphosa |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1747650/motshekga-jumps-off-ancwls-ndz-bandwagon-picks-ramaphosa/ |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=The Citizen |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207234025/https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1747650/motshekga-jumps-off-ancwls-ndz-bandwagon-picks-ramaphosa/ |url-status=live }} former finance minister Pravin Gordhan,{{cite news |last=Cotterill |first=Joseph |date=10 October 2017 |title=ANC looks to 'compromise' candidate to end toxic power struggle |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1c6721c2-a9d3-11e7-ab55-27219df83c97 |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207232520/https://www.ft.com/content/1c6721c2-a9d3-11e7-ab55-27219df83c97 |url-status=live }} Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini, and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu.{{cite web|url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1545343/another-endorsement-ramaphosa-west-rand-anc-backs-president/|title=Another endorsement for Ramaphosa as West Rand ANC backs him for president|work=Citizen|date=17 June 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904195631/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1545343/another-endorsement-ramaphosa-west-rand-anc-backs-president/|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa's primary opponent was Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who had the endorsement of Zuma, her ex-husband. On 18 December 2017, he was elected the President of the ANC at the party's 54th National Conference, defeating Dlamini-Zuma by 2,440 votes to 2,261.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/cyril-ramaphosa-chosen-to-lead-south-africas-ruling-anc-party|title=Cyril Ramaphosa chosen to lead South Africa's ruling ANC party|first=Jason|last=Burke|date=18 December 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218173456/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/cyril-ramaphosa-chosen-to-lead-south-africas-ruling-anc-party|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=18 December 2017 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa wins ANC presidential race |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/anc-conference-2017/2017-12-18-cyril-ramaphosa-wins-anc-presidential-race/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219015645/https://www.timeslive.co.za/anc-conference-2017/2017-12-18-cyril-ramaphosa-wins-anc-presidential-race/ |archive-date=19 December 2017 |access-date=18 December 2017 |website=Sunday Times}}

In his first speech as ANC leader, Ramaphosa pledged to stamp out corruption in the party.{{cite web |date=21 December 2017 |title=Ramaphosa pledges corruption crackdown in first speech as ANC leader |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/21/cyryl-ramaphosa-stamp-out-corruption-south-africa-anc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108153636/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/21/cyryl-ramaphosa-stamp-out-corruption-south-africa-anc |archive-date=8 January 2018 |access-date=8 January 2018 |work=The Guardian |location=Johannesburg |agency=Reuters}} He subsequently spearheaded what he said was a campaign to "renew" the ANC internally and to restore its integrity and public image.{{cite web |date=31 July 2022|first=Hajra|last=Omarjee|first2=Luyolo|last2=Mkentane|first3=Erin|last3=Bates|first4=Thando|last4=Maeko|title=Emboldened Ramaphosa hails 'unstoppable ANC renewal' |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/politics/2022-07-31-emboldened-ramaphosa-hails-unstoppable-anc-renewal/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Business Day |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106160508/https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/politics/2022-07-31-emboldened-ramaphosa-hails-unstoppable-anc-renewal/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Tandwa |first=Lizeka |date=8 January 2022 |title=Ramaphosa warns ANC members to get with party renewal programme or get out |url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2022-01-08-ramaphosa-warns-anc-members-to-get-with-party-renewal-programme-or-get-out/ |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=The Mail & Guardian |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106160508/https://mg.co.za/politics/2022-01-08-ramaphosa-warns-anc-members-to-get-with-party-renewal-programme-or-get-out/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Kotze |first=Dirk |date=6 August 2022 |title=Ramaphosa's 'reformist renewal plan' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/ramaphosas-reformist-renewal-plan-8757732d-8584-4544-b72b-4bf1cf33eab7 |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=Independent Online |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106160508/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/ramaphosas-reformist-renewal-plan-8757732d-8584-4544-b72b-4bf1cf33eab7 |url-status=live }} Among other things, this campaign entailed the implementation of the new step-aside rule to suspend ANC leaders accused of corruption. This, in turn, led to a confrontation with ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule, who, upon his suspension from the party in May 2021, attempted to retaliate by suspending Ramaphosa, accusing him of irregularities in the financing of the CR2017 campaign. Magashule's attempt had no legal force because of his own suspension.{{cite web |date=5 May 2021 |title=Even if letter is legit, Magashule has no power to suspend Ramaphosa, says Gwede Mantashe |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-05-05-even-if-letter-is-legit-magashule-has-no-power-to-suspend-ramaphosa-says-gwede-mantashe/ |access-date=8 May 2021 |website=Sunday Times |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508062948/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-05-05-even-if-letter-is-legit-magashule-has-no-power-to-suspend-ramaphosa-says-gwede-mantashe/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2022, Ramaphosa was re-elected leader of the ANC, running against Zweli Mkhize, for a second five-year term.{{cite web |date=19 December 2022 |title=Ramaphosa re-elected as ANC leader following 'farmgate' scandal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/19/cyril-ramaphosa-re-elected-as-leader-of-anc-in-south-africa |access-date=20 December 2022 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615143754/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/19/cyril-ramaphosa-re-elected-as-leader-of-anc-in-south-africa |url-status=live }} The next parliamentary general election which took place in 2024 saw the ANC lose its parliamentary majority.{{cite news|url=https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/2024-elections-enca-projects-anc-will-take-45-national-vote|title=2024 ELECTIONS: eNCA Project ANC Will Take 45% Of National Vote|publisher=eNCA|date=30 May 2024|accessdate=14 June 2024|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530123735/https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/2024-elections-enca-projects-anc-will-take-45-national-vote|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8007w4vqveo|title=ANC and DA agree on South Africa unity government|first1=Farouk|last1=Chothia|first2=Danai Kesta|last2=Kupemba|first3=Barbra|last3=Plett-Usher|publisher=BBC News|date=14 June 2024|accessdate=14 June 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614112052/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8007w4vqveo|url-status=live}} Despite this, Ramaphosa would secure a third term as president in June 2024 after the ANC secured a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) parties. Ramaphosa received 283 votes to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema's 44 in the 400-member house.

Following President Jacob Zuma's resignation in February 2018, Ramaphosa was elected unopposed as President of South Africa by the National Assembly on 15 February 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-02-15-cyril-ramaphosa-has-been-elected-president-of-south-africa/|title=Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected president of South Africa|access-date=8 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141526/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-02-15-cyril-ramaphosa-has-been-elected-president-of-south-africa/|url-status=live}} Ramaphosa took his oath of office in the presidential guesthouse, Tuynhuys, by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.{{cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/south-africa/catch-it-live-president-ramaphosa-to-take-the-oath-of-office|title=WATCH: President Ramaphosa takes oath of office|website=www.enca.com|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218175630/http://www.enca.com/south-africa/catch-it-live-president-ramaphosa-to-take-the-oath-of-office|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-02-15-the-oath-is-sealed-ramaphosa-is-officially-the-president-of-south-africa/|title=The oath is sealed: Ramaphosa is officially President|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220143832/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-02-15-the-oath-is-sealed-ramaphosa-is-officially-the-president-of-south-africa/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/africa/south-africa-s-cyril-ramaphosa-takes-oath-of-office-1.2174210|title=South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa takes oath of office|date=15 February 2018|work=GulfNews|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220075749/http://gulfnews.com/news/africa/south-africa-s-cyril-ramaphosa-takes-oath-of-office-1.2174210|url-status=live}}

Markets rallied strongly the day after Ramaphosa assumed the presidency with stocks rising and the rand reaching its firmest since early 2015. Government bonds also increased in strength.{{cite news |title=Rand rallies over 4% as Ramaphosa takes ANC top job in close contest |url=https://www.fin24.com/Markets/Currencies/rand-rallies-over-4-as-ramaphosa-takes-anc-top-job-in-close-contest-20171218? |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=Fin24 |date=18 December 2017 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225121642/https://www.fin24.com/Markets/Currencies/rand-rallies-over-4-as-ramaphosa-takes-anc-top-job-in-close-contest-20171218 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Khanyile |first1=Neo |title=Stocks rally as Ramaphosa seen as watershed |url=https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news-fast-news/stocks-rally-as-ramaphosa-seen-as-watershed/ |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=Moneyweb |agency=Bloomberg |date=19 December 2017 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035613/https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news-fast-news/stocks-rally-as-ramaphosa-seen-as-watershed/ |url-status=live }}

On 16 February 2018, Ramaphosa gave his first State of the Nation Address as the president of South Africa, the first time in a democratic South Africa where the president delivered his State of the Nation Address without a deputy president. Ramaphosa emphasised the need to grow the economy of South Africa, increase tourism and youth employment, as well as reduce the size of the Cabinet. In this speech, Ramaphosa also focused on the importance of keeping Mandela's legacy alive.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/cyril-ramaphosa-south-africa-president-first-major-speech|title=South Africa: Ramaphosa invokes Mandela in first major speech|last=Burke|first=Jason|date=16 February 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220004248/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/cyril-ramaphosa-south-africa-president-first-major-speech|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa's speech was met with mostly positive reviews from opposition parties saying that his speech was positive and that it would bring about change, but that they would hold him accountable.{{cite news |last1=Merten |first1=Marianne |title=SONA 2018: President Ramaphosa promises to turn the tide of corruption |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-02-17-sona-2018-president-ramaphosa-promises-to-turn-the-tide-of-corruption/amp/ |date=17 February 2017 |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=Daily Maverick |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226040425/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-02-17-sona-2018-president-ramaphosa-promises-to-turn-the-tide-of-corruption/amp/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Herman |first1=Paul |title=Ramaphosa promises corruption crackdown at maiden SONA |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ramaphosa-promises-corruption-crackdown-at-maiden-sona-20180216? |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=News24 |date=16 February 2018 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035640/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ramaphosa-promises-corruption-crackdown-at-maiden-sona-20180216 |url-status=live }}

On 17 February 2018, Ramaphosa, as commander in chief of the South African National Defence Force, attended the Armed Forces Inter-Faith Service at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley and made his first public speech as the president of South Africa.{{cite news |last1=Gous |first1=Nico |title=Armed Forces Day commemoration will have special meaning this year: Ramaphosa |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-02-18-armed-forces-day-commemoration-will-have-special-meaning-this-year-ramaphosa/ |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=TimesLIVE |date=18 February 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084401/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-02-18-armed-forces-day-commemoration-will-have-special-meaning-this-year-ramaphosa/ |url-status=live }}

On 26 February 2018, Ramaphosa, who had inherited Jacob Zuma's cabinet, reshuffled cabinet for the first time removing many of the cabinet members who had been controversial through the Zuma era and who had close links to the Gupta family. Ramaphosa also named the deputy president of the African National Congress and the Premier of Mpumalanga, David Mabuza, as the country's Deputy President.{{cite news |last1=Crabtee |first1=Justina |title=Ramaphosa cabinet reshuffle sees investor favorites return to run South Africa's economy |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/27/ramaphosa-cabinet-reshuffle-sees-investor-favorites-return-to-run-south-africa-economy.html |newspaper=CNBC |access-date=9 November 2019 |date=27 February 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084359/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/27/ramaphosa-cabinet-reshuffle-sees-investor-favorites-return-to-run-south-africa-economy.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Ramaphosa's Cabinet reshuffle leaves some happy, others not, as it happened |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-ramaphosa-postpones-cabinet-reshuffle-with-hour-20180226 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=News24 |date=26 February 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084358/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-ramaphosa-postpones-cabinet-reshuffle-with-hour-20180226 |url-status=live }}

File:Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa (2023-06-17).jpg in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2023]]

On 8 May 2019, the African National Congress led by President Ramaphosa won 57.50% of the vote in the 2019 South African general election.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/05/11/722416428/south-africas-president-ramaphosa-anc-hold-on-to-power-in-national-elections|title=South Africa's President Ramaphosa, ANC Hold On To Power In National Elections|website=NPR.org|date=11 May 2019 |access-date=11 May 2019|archive-date=11 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511180900/https://www.npr.org/2019/05/11/722416428/south-africas-president-ramaphosa-anc-hold-on-to-power-in-national-elections|url-status=live|last1=Booker |first1=Brakkton }}{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.org.za/NPEDashboard/app/dashboard.html|title=National Assembly 2019|website=Elections.org.za|access-date=15 May 2019|archive-date=11 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511040502/https://www.elections.org.za/NPEDashboard/app/dashboard.html|url-status=live}} Ramaphosa was subsequently elected unopposed to his first full term as president by the National Assembly on 22 May 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/6thparliament-ramaphosa-elected-as-president-23774422|title=#6thParliament: Ramaphosa elected as president |website=www.iol.co.za|access-date=24 May 2019|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525074410/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/6thparliament-ramaphosa-elected-as-president-23774422|url-status=live}} As Ramaphosa had previously been elected as president to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of his predecessor, he is constitutionally eligible to serve two full terms.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.za/documents/constitution-republic-south-africa-1996-chapter-5-president-and-national-executive|title=Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 – Chapter 5: The President and National Executive|website=South African Government|access-date=24 May 2019|archive-date=13 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613180255/https://www.gov.za/documents/constitution-republic-south-africa-1996-chapter-5-president-and-national-executive|url-status=live}}

At the 2020 AU summit, Ramaphosa expressed support for the African Continental Free Trade Area and described it as a major driver for reigniting industrialization and paving the way for Africa's integration into the global market.{{cite news|url=https://todaynewsafrica.com/south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa-elected-african-union-chairperson-as-continent-vows-to-silence-the-guns-boost-trade-and-close-gender-gap/|title=South African President Cyril Ramaphosa elected African Union Chairperson as continent vows to "silence the guns," boost trade and close gender gap|first=Simon|last=Ateba|publisher=Today News Africa|date=10 February 2020|access-date=10 February 2020|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216015953/https://todaynewsafrica.com/south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa-elected-african-union-chairperson-as-continent-vows-to-silence-the-guns-boost-trade-and-close-gender-gap/|url-status=live}} Ramaphosa also stated that the free trade agreement will make Africa a player of considerable weight and scale in the global market as well.

At the 2020 AU Summit, Ramaphosa also expressed support for closing the gender gap and ending gender inequality.

His government responded to the 2021 South African unrest, the deadliest riots in South Africa since the apartheid era.{{cite web|title=South Africa links 12 suspected instigators to riots|website=YouTube|date=21 July 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMd6qIT8hTQ|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211223701/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMd6qIT8hTQ|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa was re-elected as president for a second term on 14 June 2024 with the support of the Democratic Alliance and other opposition parties after ANC failed to win an outright majority in the 2024 general elections.{{Cite web |title=Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected South African president after ANC, DA reach deal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/14/south-africas-parliament-choosing-president-amidst-uncertainty |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Ramaphosa was inaugurated and took his oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 19 June 2024.{{Cite web |title=Cyril Ramaphosa vows 'new era' for South Africa at presidential inauguration |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3gge414vk9o |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=www.bbc.com |date=19 June 2024 |language=en-GB}}

File:President of South Africa MC Ramaphosa speaks to Russian President (28 June 2019).jpg

Since Ramaphosa became president he has made land reform and the economy his main priorities, as well as dealing with the outbreak of listeriosis which has claimed the lives of over 100 since the start of 2018.

In February 2018, South Africa's parliament voted 241–83 to begin amending the "property clause" in the constitution to allow the expropriation of land without compensation.{{cite magazine |last1=Da Silva |first1=Chantal |author-link=Chantal Da Silva |date=1 March 2018 |title=Thousands Sign Petition Asking Trump To Let White Farmers in South Africa Migrate to U.S. After Country Votes To Force Them Off Land |url=http://www.newsweek.com/thousands-sign-petition-asking-trump-allow-white-people-south-africa-migrate-826126 |url-status=live |magazine=Newsweek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222060921/https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-sign-petition-asking-trump-allow-white-people-south-africa-migrate-826126 |archive-date=22 December 2018 |access-date=2 March 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1005178/South-Africa-white-farm-seizure-farmers-ANC/amp|title=South Africa farm seizure: Terrified white farmers plot escape as crackdown looms – World – News – Express.co.uk|website=www.express.co.uk|access-date=23 August 2018|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822164121/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1005178/South-Africa-white-farm-seizure-farmers-ANC/amp|url-status=live}}

On 19 March 2018, Ramaphosa suspended Tom Moyane as the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service after Moyane had refused to step down.{{cite news |last1=Marrian |first1=Natasha |title=SARS boss Moyane refuses to step down despite Ramaphosa's request |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-03-19-sars-boss-moyane-refuses-to-step-down-despite-ramaphosas-request/ |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=TimesLIVE |date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084401/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-03-19-sars-boss-moyane-refuses-to-step-down-despite-ramaphosas-request/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Marrian |first1=Natasha |title=SARS boss Tom Moyane suspended |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2018-03-19-breaking-news-tom-moyane-suspended/ |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=BusinessLIVE |date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084401/https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2018-03-19-breaking-news-tom-moyane-suspended/ |url-status=live }}

Under his leadership, the African National Congress has pushed for a constitutional amendment allowing the government to confiscate farms owned by White South Africans. He has said that the state having the power to seize property for no compensation will encourage economic growth.{{cite news |last1=Morton |first1=Victor |title=South Africa begins seizing white-owned farms |url=https://apnews.com/article/6adc669b0a4494b8ab0b930601179735 |access-date=7 November 2022 |work=AP NEWS |date=20 August 2018 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107055304/https://apnews.com/article/6adc669b0a4494b8ab0b930601179735 |url-status=live }} In a time when the Rand is at a two-year low, economists have been doubtful over the possibility of this policy being successful.{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1006372/south-africa-farm-seizures-white-farmers-zimbabwe-cyril-ramaphosa|title=South Africa farm seizures 'could become next ZIMBABWE', warns expert|first=Paul|last=Withers|date=21 August 2018|access-date=23 August 2018|archive-date=21 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223128/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1006372/south-africa-farm-seizures-white-farmers-zimbabwe-cyril-ramaphosa|url-status=live}}

On 14 August 2018, Ramaphosa appointed Dr. Silas Ramaite as the Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) following the ruling by the Constitutional Court that Director Shaun Abrahams had been appointed unlawfully by the former president, Jacob Zuma.{{cite news |last1=Mahlase |first1=Mahlatse |title=Silas Ramaite appointed as acting NPA head |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/breaking-silas-ramaite-appointed-as-acting-npa-head-20180814 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=News24 |date=14 August 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084401/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/breaking-silas-ramaite-appointed-as-acting-npa-head-20180814 |url-status=live }}

South Africa made world headlines because of attacks against foreign nationals within the borders of the country, with many South Africans blaming foreign nationals for the country's socio-economic issues.{{cite web | title= What is behind South Africa's xenophobic attacks | date= 13 September 2019 | url= https://qz.com/africa/1708814/what-is-behind-south-africas-xenophobic-attacks-on-foreigners/ | access-date= 3 May 2020 | archive-date= 15 May 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200515184211/https://qz.com/africa/1708814/what-is-behind-south-africas-xenophobic-attacks-on-foreigners/ | url-status= live }}

On 10 June 2021, Ramaphosa announced that his government would raise the threshold for the amount of electricity that private companies could produce without a license – from 1 Megawatt to 100 Megawatts.{{cite web|last=Zwane|first=Thuletho|title=Ramaphosa lifts generation threshold for companies without a license to 100MW|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/business/ramaphosa-lifts-generation-threshold-for-companies-without-a-licence-to-100mw-20210610|access-date=16 June 2021|website=Citypress|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616051005/https://www.news24.com/citypress/business/ramaphosa-lifts-generation-threshold-for-companies-without-a-licence-to-100mw-20210610|url-status=live}} The decision was taken in order to respond to the increasing challenges faced by the country during the ongoing energy crisis, and to give "oomph," in Ramaphosa's words, to South Africa's economic recovery.{{cite web|last=Merten|first=Marianne|date=10 June 2021|title=POWER BOOST: Increase to 100MW embedded generation threshold will give 'oomph' to South African economy, says Ramaphosa|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-10-increase-to-100mw-embedded-generation-threshold-will-give-oomph-to-south-african-economy-says-ramaphosa/|access-date=16 June 2021|website=Daily Maverick|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618112330/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-10-increase-to-100mw-embedded-generation-threshold-will-give-oomph-to-south-african-economy-says-ramaphosa/|url-status=live}}

On 11 February 2022, Ramaphosa announced that his government will formalise the South African cannabis industry, seeking to grow both production and exports.{{cite news|date=11 February 2022|title=S.Africa's Ramaphosa says government to formalise cannabis industry|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/safricas-ramaphosa-says-government-formalise-cannabis-industry-2022-02-11/|access-date=11 February 2022|archive-date=11 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211124140/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/safricas-ramaphosa-says-government-formalise-cannabis-industry-2022-02-11/|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa launched the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative as a means to employ one million youth and giving them more experience in the working field, with the South African Government even introducing the Employment Tax Incentive, which would reduce employer's costs when hiring youth.{{cite news |last1=Head |first1=Tom |title=Cyril Ramaphosa outlines how the Youth Employment Service will solve jobs crisis |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/cyril-ramaphosa-youth-employment-service-yes/ |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=The South African |date=27 March 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084402/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/cyril-ramaphosa-youth-employment-service-yes/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Khoza |first1=Amanda |title=Ramaphosa launches YES initiative to address youth unemployment |url=https://www.fin24.com/Economy/ramaphosa-launches-yes-initiative-to-address-youth-unemployment-20180327 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=Fin24 |date=27 March 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084358/https://www.fin24.com/Economy/ramaphosa-launches-yes-initiative-to-address-youth-unemployment-20180327 |url-status=live }}

On 14 August 2018, President Ramaphosa addressed the launch of the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) initiative in Pretoria to respond to the sanitary challenges facing the country's poorest schools.{{cite news |title=President Cyril Ramaphosa launches safe sanitation for schools |url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-launches-safe-sanitation-schools-14-aug-2018-0000 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=South African Government |date=14 August 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084412/https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-launches-safe-sanitation-schools-14-aug-2018-0000 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sobuwa |first1=Yoliswa |title=Ramaphosa launches campaign to make school toilets safer |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-08-14-ramaphosa-launches-campaign-to-make-school-toilets-safer/ |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=TimesLIVE |date=14 August 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084358/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2018-08-14-ramaphosa-launches-campaign-to-make-school-toilets-safer/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of international presidential trips made by Cyril Ramaphosa}}

File:Map showing countries President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has visited.svg

Ramaphosa made his first international trip as President of South Africa to the Republic of Angola and met with President João Lourenço in his capacity as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to talk about peace and defence. Ramaphosa made his first international trip as the president of South Africa on 2 March 2018 to the Republic of Angola and met with President João Lourenço as the chair of the SADC.{{cite news |date=1 March 2018 |title=Ramaphosa on first official visit to Angola on Friday |newspaper=SABC NEWS |url=http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/ramaphosa-first-official-visit-angola-friday/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084401/http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/ramaphosa-first-official-visit-angola-friday/ |archive-date=9 November 2019}}

On 20 March 2018, Ramaphosa made a trip to Kigali, Rwanda, along with Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, and met with President Paul Kagame and spoke about restoring relations between South Africa and Rwanda, later participating as panelists on the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum (ACFTABF) ahead of the 10th African Union Extraordinary Summit. The following day, Ramaphosa signed the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the ACFTABF at the 10th African Union Extraordinary Summit.{{cite news |last1=Du Plessis |first1=Carien |title=Diplomatic relations between SA, Rwanda to return to normal |url=https://ewn.co.za/2018/03/21/diplomatic-relations-between-sa-rwanda-to-return-to-normal |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=EWN |date=21 March 2018 |location=Kigali |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084359/https://ewn.co.za/2018/03/21/diplomatic-relations-between-sa-rwanda-to-return-to-normal |url-status=live }}

File:Prime Minister Boris Johnson G7 Leaders Summit Day Two (51242464713).jpg at the 47th G7 summit, 12 June 2021]]

Ramaphosa hosted the 11th BRICS summit for 25–27 July 2018, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.{{cite news |title=President Ramaphosa to lead South Africa's hosting of the 10th BRICS Summit |url=http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/press-statements/president-ramaphosa-lead-south-africa%27s-hosting-10th-brics-summit |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=The Presidency |date=25 July 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109084414/http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/press-statements/president-ramaphosa-lead-south-africa%27s-hosting-10th-brics-summit |url-status=live }}

On 10 May 2021, Ramaphosa said that the ANC condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem and the "brutal attacks on Palestinian protesters" at Al-Aqsa.{{cite news|date=11 May 2021|title=South Africans protest over Palestinian deaths|work=France24|location=Cape Town, South Africa|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210511-south-africans-protest-over-palestinian-deaths|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512032349/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210511-south-africans-protest-over-palestinian-deaths|archive-date=12 May 2021}}

{{Anchor|Political Philanthropy}}

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, launched on 24 February 2022, Ramaphosa did not condemn Russia or agree to any sanctions against Russia.{{cite news |title=History may explain South Africa's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine |url=https://theconversation.com/history-may-explain-south-africas-refusal-to-condemn-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-178657 |work=The Conservation |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=29 May 2022 |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529183602/https://theconversation.com/history-may-explain-south-africas-refusal-to-condemn-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-178657 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=2022 |title=Russia's reengagement with Africa pays off |url=https://www.dw.com/en/russias-reengagement-with-africa-pays-off/a-61064011 |access-date=13 March 2022 |website=DW |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531175451/https://www.dw.com/en/russias-reengagement-with-africa-pays-off/a-61064011 |url-status=live }} A month later, he stated that maintaining neutrality was essential to his having been asked to mediate between the two countries' leadership. Ramaphosa blamed NATO's proximity to Russian borders for the war: "The war could have been avoided if NATO had heeded the warnings from amongst its own leaders and officials over the years that its eastward expansion would lead to greater, not less, instability in the region."{{cite news |title=S Africa's Ramaphosa: NATO to blame for Russia's war in Ukraine |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/18/update-1-s-africas-ramaphosa-blames-nato-for-russias-war-in-ukraine |work=Al-Jazeera |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144457/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/18/update-1-s-africas-ramaphosa-blames-nato-for-russias-war-in-ukraine |url-status=live }} On 11 May 2023, the United States ambassador to South Africa alleged the country was supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia.{{cite news |title=America accuses South Africa of sending arms to Russia |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/05/11/america-accuses-south-africa-of-sending-arms-to-russia |access-date=12 May 2023 |issn=0013-0613}} Days later, Ramaphosa announced his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts have agreed that a delegation of African heads of state could visit Moscow and Kyiv to present a peace plan. "Whether that will succeed or not is going to depend on the discussions that will be held," he said.{{Cite web |title=African leaders to present peace plan to Putin and Zelenskyy – DW – 05/16/2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/african-leaders-to-present-peace-plan-to-putin-and-zelenskyy/a-65648099 |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517171058/https://www.dw.com/en/african-leaders-to-present-peace-plan-to-putin-and-zelenskyy/a-65648099 |url-status=live }}

In November 2022, Ramaphosa became the first foreign head of state to make a formal state visit to the United Kingdom during the reign of King Charles III.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63711177|title=King hails Mandela friendship on South Africa state visit|last1=Giles|first1=Chris|last2=Coughlan|first2=Sean|work=BBC News|date=23 November 2022|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144454/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63711177|url-status=live}} He was made an honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath by Charles.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/court-circular-november-22-2022-z8h8znbg9|title=Court Circular: November 22, 2022|date=23 November 2022|work=The Times|department=Court Circular|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144459/https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/court-circular-november-22-2022-z8h8znbg9|url-status=live}}

File:President Joe Biden and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shake hands in the Oval Office.jpg in the White House, 16 September 2022]]

On 16 May 2023, Ramaphosa announced that the leaders of African countries came up with a new initiative for peace in Ukraine.{{cite news |title=African Nations Plan Russia-Ukraine Peace Mission, Ramaphosa Says |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-16/african-nations-plan-russia-ukraine-peace-mission-ramaphosa-says |work=Bloomberg |date=16 May 2023}} In June 2023, Ramaphosa led a delegation to Russia and Ukraine, which also included heads of state from Zambia, the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Uganda and Senegal.{{cite news |title=African Leaders Head to Ukraine, Russia on Peace Mission |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/african-leaders-head-to-ukraine-russia-on-peace-mission-/7136695.html |work=VOA News |date=14 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |archive-date=25 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625100237/https://www.voanews.com/a/african-leaders-head-to-ukraine-russia-on-peace-mission-/7136695.html |url-status=live }} After a meeting with Ramaphosa in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that peace talks with Russia would be possible only after Moscow withdraws its forces from the entire occupied territory.{{cite news |title=Latest in Ukraine: Putin, Zelenskyy Reject African Peace Initiative |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/putin-zelenskyy-reject-african-peace-initiative-/7142034.html |work=VOA News |date=18 June 2023 |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=18 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618172848/https://www.voanews.com/a/putin-zelenskyy-reject-african-peace-initiative-/7142034.html |url-status=live }} Ramaphosa visited the site of a mass grave in the town of Bucha, Ukraine and was in Kyiv during Russia's missile attack on the city.{{cite news|title=African delegation in Eastern Europe: More than a photo op?|first=Nick|last=Connolly|url=https://www.dw.com/en/african-delegation-in-eastern-europe-more-than-a-photo-op/a-65954255|work=Deutsche Welle|date=18 June 2023|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619200855/https://www.dw.com/en/african-delegation-in-eastern-europe-more-than-a-photo-op/a-65954255|url-status=live}} Putin later admitted to Ramaphosa that he had ordered the bombing of Kyiv that day despite the presence of an African delegation in the city.{{cite news |title=Putin quietly signals he is open to a cease-fire in Ukraine |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/putin-quietly-signals-he-is-open-to-a-cease-fire-in-ukraine/ |work=The Seattle Times |date=23 December 2023 |access-date=26 February 2024 |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226204006/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/putin-quietly-signals-he-is-open-to-a-cease-fire-in-ukraine/ |url-status=live }} He met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg and told Putin that the war must end,{{cite news |title=South Africa's Ramaphosa tells Vladimir Putin to stop war in Ukraine as African delegation arrives in Moscow to plead for peace |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/global-affairs/south-africas-ramaphosa-tells-vladimir-putin-to-stop-war-in-ukraine-as-african-delegation-arrives-in-moscow-to-plead-for-peace/news-story/014977d9b22d6a70e4727a999c6964ec |work=Sky News |date=18 June 2023 |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622233045/https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/global-affairs/south-africas-ramaphosa-tells-vladimir-putin-to-stop-war-in-ukraine-as-african-delegation-arrives-in-moscow-to-plead-for-peace/news-story/014977d9b22d6a70e4727a999c6964ec |url-status=live }} but Putin rejected the delegation's peace plan based on accepting Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.{{cite news |title=Putin rebuts key elements of African peace plan for Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/african-leaders-arrive-ukraine-talks-with-russias-putin-2023-06-17/ |work=Reuters |date=18 June 2023 |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628235814/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/african-leaders-arrive-ukraine-talks-with-russias-putin-2023-06-17/ |url-status=live }}

File:PM in a family photograph during the BRICS Leaders Retreat Meeting, at Johannesburg, in South Africa on August 23, 2023 (1).jpg leaders during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, August 2023. Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.]]

File:President Donald Trump meets with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa (54537776189).jpg in the White House, 21 May 2025]]

In July 2023, Ramaphosa attended the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg and met with Russian President Putin.{{cite news |title=What Africa and Russia Have to Gain From Summit |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/what-africa-and-russia-have-to-gain-from-summit/7198857.html |work=VOA News |date=26 July 2023 |access-date=29 July 2023 |archive-date=29 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729144229/https://www.voanews.com/a/what-africa-and-russia-have-to-gain-from-summit/7198857.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Africa-Russia relations can 'move forward', says South African President Ramaphosa in meeting with Putin |url=https://news.sky.com/video/africa-russia-relations-can-move-forward-says-south-african-president-ramaphosa-in-meeting-with-putin-12929877 |work=Sky News |date=29 July 2023 |access-date=29 July 2023 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144500/https://news.sky.com/video/africa-russia-relations-can-move-forward-says-south-african-president-ramaphosa-in-meeting-with-putin-12929877 |url-status=live }} Ramaphosa called for peace in Ukraine and expressed concern about the global food crisis and rising fertilizer prices.{{cite news |title=South Africa's president raises food security concerns in Russia-Africa summit |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/29/south-africas-president-raises-food-security-concerns-in-russia-africa-summit/ |work=Africanews |date=29 July 2023 |access-date=29 July 2023 |archive-date=29 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729145506/https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/29/south-africas-president-raises-food-security-concerns-in-russia-africa-summit// |url-status=live }}

Ramaphosa called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war,{{cite news |title=Ramaphosa urges leaders to 'stand on side of peace' in Gaza conflict |url=https://www.trtafrika.com/africa/ramaphosa-urges-leaders-to-stand-on-side-of-peace-in-gaza-conflict-15491085 |work=TRT Afrika |date=21 October 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144308/https://www.trtafrika.com/africa/ramaphosa-urges-leaders-to-stand-on-side-of-peace-in-gaza-conflict-15491085 |url-status=live }} stating "as South Africans we can relate to what is happening to Palestinians". He condemned Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip and the "collective punishment" of Palestinians in Gaza.{{cite web |last1=Ramaphosa |first1=Cyril |title=Peace will not be possible until Palestinians are free |url=https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/from-the-desk-of-the-president/desk-president-monday%2C-16-october-2023 |website=The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205102331/https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/from-the-desk-of-the-president/desk-president-monday%2C-16-october-2023 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Analysts Scrutinize Ramaphosa Comparing Gaza Conflict to South Africa's Apartheid |url=https://www.voaafrica.com/a/analysts-scrutinize-ramaphosa-comparing-gaza-conflict-to-south-africa-s-apartheid/7329502.html |work=VOA News |date=29 October 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103114253/https://www.voaafrica.com/a/analysts-scrutinize-ramaphosa-comparing-gaza-conflict-to-south-africa-s-apartheid/7329502.html |url-status=live }} Ramaphosa described Israel as an "oppressive regime".{{cite news |title=Which countries have criticised Israeli attacks on Gaza? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/15/which-countries-have-criticised-israeli-attacks-on-gaza |work=Al Jazeera |date=15 October 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=29 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229155357/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/15/which-countries-have-criticised-israeli-attacks-on-gaza |url-status=live }}

In January 2024, he met with Hemedti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in their first meeting since the start of the Sudanese Civil War.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-05 |title=South African presidency sparks controversy with misidentification of RSF leader |url=https://sudantribune.com/article281007/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Sudan Tribune |language=en-US |archive-date=25 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325120205/https://sudantribune.com/article281007/ |url-status=live }} He called for a ceasefire without reference to the humanitarian situation in the country.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-05 |title=Sudan paramilitary leader says he's committed to cease-fire, but no progress on proposed peace talks |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/04/south-africa-sudan-ramaphosa-dagalo/20243e96-ab4b-11ee-bc8c-7319480da4f9_story.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144308/https://www.washingtonpost.com/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=President Ramaphosa meets with RSF leader on developments towards peace in Sudan |url=https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-meets-rsf-leader-developments-towards-peace-sudan |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=www.thepresidency.gov.za |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144315/https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-meets-rsf-leader-developments-towards-peace-sudan |url-status=live }} He has emerged to embrace civilian politicians and tour African capitals in a bid for international legitimacy, analysts said.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-06 |title=Sudan paramilitary chief bids for legitimacy in Africa tour: analysts |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240106-sudan-paramilitary-chief-bids-for-legitimacy-in-africa-tour-analysts |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106183847/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240106-sudan-paramilitary-chief-bids-for-legitimacy-in-africa-tour-analysts |url-status=live }}

In October 2024, he attended the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin,{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2024 |title=South Africa sees Russia as a valued ally, Ramaphosa tells Putin |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/south-africa-sees-russia-valued-ally-ramaphosa-tells-putin-2024-10-22/ |access-date=October 22, 2024 |website=Reuters}} Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other leaders.{{cite news |title=Putin warns of Middle East conflagration and debates Ukraine at BRICS |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-middle-east-conflagration-debates-ukraine-brics-2024-10-24/ |work=Reuters |date=24 October 2024}}

In January 2025, South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga stated that the M23 offensive against South African positions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in the death of 13 South African peacekeepers, was only alleviated after President Ramaphosa told the Rwandan government that continued attacks would be interpreted by South Africa as a "declaration of war" by Rwanda.{{Cite web |last=TANDWA |first=LIZEKA |date=29 January 2025 |title=Ramaphosa tells Rwanda 'firing at SA troops is a declaration of war' |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-01-29-ramaphosa-tells-rwanda-firing-at-sa-troops-is-a-declaration-of-war/ |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=Sunday Times}} President Ramphosa later also wrote on X that the South African peacekeepers had been killed by the "Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia."{{Cite web |last=Ncobo |first=Khanyisile |title=South Africa and Rwanda go head-to-head over DR Congo War |date=30 January 2025 |access-date=30 January 2025 |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78w1ze7v25o }}

On 21 May 2025, Ramaphosa visited the White House in Washington, D.C. for a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, in a high-profile diplomatic engagement aimed at addressing escalating tensions between the two nations.{{Cite web |last=Renè |date=2025-05-19 |title=President Ramaphosa arrives in the United States of America for his Working Visit |url=https://dirco.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-arrives-in-the-united-states-of-america-for-his-working-visit/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=DIRCO |language=en-US}} This was after the U.S. offered refugee status to 59 white Afrikaners on the basis of the alleged persecution of the Afrikaner minority and the enactment of the Expropriation Act, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-22 |title=Trump-Ramaphosa meeting: US president confronts South African leader |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9vvljen0xo |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Princewill |first=Nimi |date=2025-05-21 |title=South Africa’s Ramaphosa visits Trump amid fears he could face Zelensky-style onslaught in White House |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/21/africa/south-africas-ramaphosa-visits-trump-latam-intl |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=CNN |language=en}} The visit was broadly considered a success, and it was followed by President Ramaphosa announcing that President Trump would attend the 2025 G20 summit in South Africa (which Trump had originally declined to do). International relations experts and economists welcomed the announcement.{{cite web|url= https://iol.co.za/business-report/economy/2025-05-27-trumps-attendance-at-the-g20-summit-a-boost-for-south-africas-international-relations/ |title= Trump's attendance at the G20 Summit: A boost for South Africa's international relations |author= Yogashen Pillay |publisher= IOL |date= 28 May 2025 |access-date= 30 May 2025 }}

{{See also|COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa}}

Ramaphosa has been internationally praised for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa with the BBC commenting that, in this regard, "Ramaphosa has emerged as a formidable leader — composed, compassionate, but seized by the urgency of the moment."{{cite news |title=South Africa's ruthlessly efficient fight against coronavirus |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52125713 |access-date=3 April 2020 |newspaper=BBC |date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403092330/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52125713 |url-status=live }} In October 2020, Ramaphosa began a period of self-isolation after a guest at a dinner party he attended tested positive for coronavirus.{{cite news|date=28 October 2020|title=South Africa's Ramaphosa Begins Covid-19 Self-Quarantine|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-28/south-africa-s-ramaphosa-begins-covid-19-self-quarantine|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028181935/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-28/south-africa-s-ramaphosa-begins-covid-19-self-quarantine|url-status=live}}

On 12 December 2021, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele announced that Ramaphosa had tested positive for COVID-19, and deputy president, David Mabuza would take over "all responsibilities" for the following week.{{cite web|title=Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for Covid-19 and is isolating in Cape Town|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-12-cyril-ramaphosa-tests-positive-for-covid-19-and-is-isolating-in-cape-town/|access-date=12 December 2021|website=TimesLIVE|archive-date=12 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212202946/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-12-cyril-ramaphosa-tests-positive-for-covid-19-and-is-isolating-in-cape-town/|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa publicly declared in South Africa on 24 May 2018 that he would be donating half of his salary (R3.6 million annually) to charity in honour of late former South African president Nelson Mandela. He said the gesture was aimed at encouraging the wealthy to dedicate some of their pay to help build the nation. The donation was set to be managed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF).{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44238549|title=SA leader gives half his pay to charity|date=24 May 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524161045/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44238549|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa is also the founder of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

{{main|Marikana massacre}}

The Marikana massacre,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19388584|title=South Africa's ANC to discuss mine shootings row|date=27 August 2012|access-date=27 August 2012|work=BBC News|archive-date=27 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827123036/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19388584|url-status=live}} as referred to in the media, occurred when police broke up an occupation by striking Lonmin workers of a "koppie" (hilltop) near Nkaneng shack settlement in Marikana on 16 August 2012. As a result of the police shootings, 34 miners died and an additional 78 miners were injured causing anger and outcry against the police and South African government. Further controversy emerged after it was discovered that most of the victims were shot in the back{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/9501910/Striking-South-African-miners-were-shot-in-the-back.html|title=Striking South African miners 'were shot in the back'|date=27 August 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|first=Aislinn|last=Laing|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207110614/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/9501910/Striking-South-African-miners-were-shot-in-the-back.html|url-status=live}} and many victims were shot far from police lines.{{cite web|url=http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-08-30-the-murder-fields-of-marikana-the-cold-murder-fields-of-marikana|title=The murder fields of Marikana. The cold murder fields of Marikana.|work=Daily Maverick|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830150415/http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-08-30-the-murder-fields-of-marikana-the-cold-murder-fields-of-marikana|archive-date=30 August 2012|url-status=dead}} The violence on 16 August 2012 was the single most lethal use of force by South African security forces against civilians since the end of the apartheid era.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/south-african-police-open-fire-on-striking-mine-workers-several-injured/2012/08/16/c9c99e3c-e7ad-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817062827/http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/south-african-police-open-fire-on-striking-mine-workers-several-injured/2012/08/16/c9c99e3c-e7ad-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html | archive-date=17 August 2012 | title=South African police open fire as striking miners charge, killing and wounding workers | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=16 August 2012 | access-date=16 August 2012 | url-status=dead}}

During the Marikana Commission, it also emerged that Lonmin management solicited Ramaphosa, a Lonmin shareholder and ANC heavyweight, to coordinate "concomitant action" against "criminal" protesters and therefore is seen by many as being responsible for the massacre.{{cite web|url=http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-10-25-cyril-ramaphosa-the-true-betrayal|title=Cyril Ramaphosa: The true betrayal|work=Daily Maverick|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025233419/http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-10-25-cyril-ramaphosa-the-true-betrayal|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://news.iafrica.com/sa/823497.html|title=iafrica.com 'Ramaphosa must say sorry'|work=iAfrica.com|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=3 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603185936/http://news.iafrica.com/sa/823497.html|url-status=live}}

Under the investigation of Farlam committee, Ramaphosa said that Lonmin lobbied government and the SAPS firstly to secure a massive police presence at Lonmin and secondly to characterise what was taking place as a criminal rather than an industrial relations event.{{cite web|url=http://www.marikanacomm.org.za/docs/201411-HoA-AMCU.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912165732/http://marikanacomm.org.za/docs/201411-HoA-AMCU.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 September 2016|title=MARIKANA COMMISSION INQUIRY REPORT|date=October 2014|website=The Marikana Commission of Inquiry}}

The Marikana Commission of Inquiry ultimately found that given the deaths that had already occurred, his intervention did not cause the increase in police on site, nor did he know the operation would take place on 16 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-06-26-marikana-report-key-findings-and-recommendations/|title=Marikana report: Key findings and recommendations|website=Daily Maverick|date=25 June 2015|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=11 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211161740/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-06-26-marikana-report-key-findings-and-recommendations/|url-status=live}}

He was employed on the board of directors of Lonmin while taking an active stance when the Marikana Massacre took place on Lonmin's Marikana premises. On 15 August 2012 he called for action against the Marikana miners' strike, which he called "dastardly criminal" conduct that needed "concomitant action" to be taken.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=David |date=24 October 2012 |title=Lonmin emails paint ANC elder as a born-again robber baron |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/24/lonmin-emails-anc-elder-baron |url-status=live |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202005603/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/24/lonmin-emails-anc-elder-baron |archive-date=2 December 2016}} He later admitted and regretted his involvement in the act and said that it could have been avoided if contingency plans had been made prior to the labour strike.{{cite web |date=26 October 2012 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa: The true betrayal |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-10-27-cyril-ramaphosa-the-true-betrayal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104181526/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-10-27-cyril-ramaphosa-the-true-betrayal/ |archive-date=4 November 2017 |access-date=6 June 2017 |website=Daily Maverick}}

In August 2017, the Sunday Independent published an article alleging that Ramaphosa had had several extramarital affairs, including with some women to whom he had given money. Ramaphosa denied the allegations, claiming that they were politically motivated aimed to derail his presidential campaign.{{cite news |date=3 September 2017 |title=Article alleging Ramaphosa extramarital affairs published |work=News24 |url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/article-alleging-ramaphosa-extramarital-affairs-published-20170903 |url-status=live |access-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911115846/http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/article-alleging-ramaphosa-extramarital-affairs-published-20170903 |archive-date=11 September 2017}} Later emails between Ramaphosa and his mistress were leaked. Within the emails were instances of Ramaphosa referring to his mistress as "cupcake". This led to South Africans nicknaming Ramaphosa as "cupcake". Ramaphosa would later admit to the affair, although he denied that there was more than one.{{Cite web |last=Simelane |first=Nomonde |date=2025-02-05 |title=Pop culture 101: Knowing the history behind the president’s ‘Cupcake’ nickname |url=https://www.bona.co.za/entertainment/pop-culture-101-knowing-the-history-behind-the-presidents-cupcake-nickname/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=Bona Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2017-09-03 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa: South African deputy president admits affair |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41141953 |access-date=2025-06-03 |language=en-GB}}

On 19 July 2019, the Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, released a report in which she claimed that Ramaphosa had intentionally misled the Parliament of South Africa over the controversial Bosasa donations to his CR17 ANC presidential campaign. COPE Leader Mosiuoa Lekota called for Ramaphosa to be impeached while DA Leader Mmusi Maimane proposed the establishment of an ad hoc committee to effectively investigate these allegations. Ramaphosa briefed the nation on 21 July 2019 and described the report as "fundamentally flawed" and called for a judicial review of Mkhwebane's findings.[https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2019-07-21-ramaphosa-to-launch-urgent-judicial-review-of-mkhwebanes-findings/ Ramaphosa to launch an urgent judicial review of Mkhwebane's findings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721162854/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2019-07-21-ramaphosa-to-launch-urgent-judicial-review-of-mkhwebanes-findings/|date=21 July 2019}}. Retrieved on 21 July 2019.[https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/just-in-ramaphosa-to-brief-the-nation-on-public-protectors-bosasa-report-20190721 Ramaphosa to brief the nation on Public Protector's Bosasa report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721162856/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/just-in-ramaphosa-to-brief-the-nation-on-public-protectors-bosasa-report-20190721|date=21 July 2019}}. Retrieved on 21 July 2019.[https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/2157339/ramaphosa-in-desperate-fight-to-defend-his-presidency/ Ramaphosa in desperate fight to defend his presidency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721162856/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/2157339/ramaphosa-in-desperate-fight-to-defend-his-presidency/|date=21 July 2019}}. Retrieved on 21 July 2019.[https://www.enca.com/news/da-want-ad-hoc-committee-examine-pps-ramaphosa-findings DA wants committee to examine PP's Ramaphosa findings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721162852/https://www.enca.com/news/da-want-ad-hoc-committee-examine-pps-ramaphosa-findings|date=21 July 2019}}. Retrieved on 21 July 2019.[https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2019-07-19-cyril-ramaphosa-must-be-impeached-says-mosiuoa-lekota/ Cyril Ramaphosa must be impeached, says Mosiuoa Lekota] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721162856/https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2019-07-19-cyril-ramaphosa-must-be-impeached-says-mosiuoa-lekota/|date=21 July 2019}}. Retrieved on 21 July 2019.

Ramaphosa has been criticised for the conduct of his business interests,{{cite web |date=12 October 2015 |title=R2K protest for investigation into MTN and Ramaphosa corruption allegations. |url=http://www.r2k.org.za/2015/10/12/investigate-mtn-ramaphosa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820011226/http://www.r2k.org.za/2015/10/12/investigate-mtn-ramaphosa/ |archive-date=20 August 2017 |access-date=12 August 2017 |website=Right2Know Campaign}}{{cite news |first1=Craig |last1=McKune |first2=George |last2=Turner |first3=Craig |last3=McKune |first4=George |last4=Turner |title=Ramaphosa and MTN's offshore stash |work=Mail & Guardian |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2015-10-08-ramaphosa-and-mtns-offshore-stash |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223014148/https://mg.co.za/article/2015-10-08-ramaphosa-and-mtns-offshore-stash |archive-date=23 December 2017}}{{cite news |date=26 May 2015 |title=Ramaphosa sells business stakes, creates billion-dollar black-owned company |work=BizNews.com |url=http://www.biznews.com/undictated/2015/05/26/cyril-ramaphosa-sells-off-business-stakes-creates-billion-dollar-black-owned-company/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812141117/http://www.biznews.com/undictated/2015/05/26/cyril-ramaphosa-sells-off-business-stakes-creates-billion-dollar-black-owned-company/ |archive-date=12 August 2017}}{{cite news |last=Mawson |first=Nicola |title=Ramaphosa steps down as MTN chairman |work=ITWeb Technology News |url=http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62269 |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812140616/http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62269 |archive-date=12 August 2017}}{{cite news |date=14 January 2013 |title=Cyril Ramaphosa's conflict of interest – Corruption Watch |work=Corruption Watch |url=http://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/cyril-ramaphosas-conflict-of-interest/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812133754/http://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/cyril-ramaphosas-conflict-of-interest/ |archive-date=12 August 2017}} although he has never been indicted for illegal activity in any of these controversies. Controversial business dealings include his joint venture with Glencore{{cite news |date=11 October 2011 |title=Glencore, Ramaphosa eye 50/50 mining JVs in SA |work=Moneyweb |url=https://www.moneyweb.co.za/archive/glencore-ramaphosa-eye-5050-mining-jvs-in-sa/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813010536/https://www.moneyweb.co.za/archive/glencore-ramaphosa-eye-5050-mining-jvs-in-sa/ |archive-date=13 August 2017}} and allegations of benefitting illegally from coal deals with Eskom which he has staunchly denied,{{cite news |title=Presidency, Glencore slam Ramaphosa Eskom claims |work=Fin24 |url=http://www.fin24.com/Economy/Eskom/Presidency-Glencore-slam-Ramaphosa-Eskom-claims-20150425 |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812213613/http://www.fin24.com/Economy/Eskom/Presidency-Glencore-slam-Ramaphosa-Eskom-claims-20150425 |archive-date=12 August 2017}}{{cite news |title=Did Ramaphosa benefit from Eskom coal deals? |url=https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/125118-did-ramaphosa-benefit-from-eskom-coal-deals.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908133220/https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/125118-did-ramaphosa-benefit-from-eskom-coal-deals.html |archive-date=8 September 2017}} during which Glencore was in the public spotlight for its tendentious business activities involving Tony Blair in the Middle East; his son, Andile Ramaphosa, has also been found to have accepted payments totalling R2 million from Bosasa, the security company implicated in corruption and state capture by the Zondo Commission.{{cite web |title=Bosasa paid me R2m, says Andile Ramaphosa|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/bosasa-paid-me-r2m-says-andile-ramaphosa-20111437 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101905/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/bosasa-paid-me-r2m-says-andile-ramaphosa-20111437 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |website=www.iol.co.za}}{{cite web |date=27 March 2019 |title=The Ramaphosas' Bosasa money: Same script, different cast |url=https://www.news24.com/Columnists/Redi_Tlhabi/the-ramaphosas-bosasa-money-same-script-different-cast-20190327 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327120123/https://www.news24.com/Columnists/Redi_Tlhabi/the-ramaphosas-bosasa-money-same-script-different-cast-20190327 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |website=News24}}

{{Main|2020 Phala Phala Robbery}}

On 9 February 2020, it is alleged about US$4 million in cash was stolen from Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo, although the exact amount was disputed.{{cite news|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/ramaphosas-stolen-millions-the-namibian-connection-20220604|title=AmaBhungane | Ramaphosa's stolen millions: The Namibian connection|accessdate=24 June 2023|publisher=news24.com|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205211752/https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/ramaphosas-stolen-millions-the-namibian-connection-20220604|url-status=live}}

Ramaphosa later said the amount was $580,000. In 2022, he was accused of corruption, obstruction of justice, kidnapping and bribing the burglars into silence. After delivery of a report on the matter commissioned by Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the parliament voted on 13 December 2022, 148 for and 214 against impeachment of the president.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}. On 11 October 2024, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that it would not be prosecuteing Ramaphosa or any suspects involved in the case.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/phala-phala-scandal-outrage-after-npa-hands-ramaphosa-a-get-out-of-jail-free-card-f27155ba-85fe-495b-8b42-540fc94d274c|title=Phala Phala Scandal: Outrage after NPA hands Ramaphosa a get-out-of-jail free card}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/npas-phala-phala-decision-a-reflection-of-unequal-accountability-perpetuates-the-notion-that-some-are-more-equal-than-others-7f4d8149-fc68-4ee4-b201-2c3bac3f870b|title=NPA's Phala Phala decision: A reflection of unequal accountability, perpetuates the notion that some are more equal than others}}

Ramaphosa received the Olof Palme Prize in Stockholm in October 1987.{{cite news |title=Black South African Union Leader Receives Palme Prize |url=https://apnews.com/92fb9058d6e38453bf9947704e692e92 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=AP News |date=24 October 1987 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109085010/https://apnews.com/92fb9058d6e38453bf9947704e692e92 |url-status=live }} In 1995, he received the prize "Archivio Disarmo - Golden Doves for Peace" from IRIAD. {{Cite web |title=Golden Doves for Peace |url=https://www.archiviodisarmo.it/golden-doves-for-peace.html |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.archiviodisarmo.it}}

In 2009, he received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in 2009, presented by Awards Council member Archbishop Desmond Tutu at a ceremony at St. George's Cathedral, Cape Town.{{cite web |title=Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#public-service |website=www.achievement.org |publisher=American Academy of Achievement |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=8 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608012051/https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#public-service |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=2009 Summit Highlights Photo |url=https://achievement.org/summit/2009/ |quote=Archbishop Desmond Tutu presents Cyril Ramaphosa, Executive Chairman of Shanduka Group, with the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement at the 2009 International Achievement Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025135556/https://achievement.org/summit/2009/ |url-status=live }} He has also frequently been listed as an influential individual: he was voted 34th in the 2004 list of Top 100 Great South Africans,{{cite web|url=http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/423/4673.html|title=The 10 Greatest South Africans of all time|publisher=BizCommunity|date=27 September 2004|access-date=31 March 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729215532/http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/423/4673.html|url-status=live}} and was included in the Time 100 in 2007{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615737_1615731,00.html|title=Cyril Ramaphosa – The 2007 Time 100 |date=3 May 2007|magazine=Time|first=Richard C.|last=Holbrooke|access-date=8 May 2007|archive-date=5 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505050457/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615737_1615731,00.html|url-status=dead}} and 2019.{{cite magazine|title=Cyril Ramaphosa: The 100 Most Influential People of 2019|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567761/cyril-ramaphosa/|access-date=22 September 2020|magazine=Time |archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916205832/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567761/cyril-ramaphosa/|url-status=live}}

He has received honorary doctorates from, among others, the University of Natal, the University of Port Elizabeth, the University of Cape Town, the University of the North, the National University of Lesotho, National University of Ireland Galway,{{cite web |title=NUI Galway honours seven outstanding individuals with Honorary Degrees |url=https://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/news-and-events/news-archive/2005/june2005/nui-galway--honours-seven-outstanding-individuals-with-honorary-degrees.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162141/https://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/news-and-events/news-archive/2005/june2005/nui-galway--honours-seven-outstanding-individuals-with-honorary-degrees.html |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=8 June 2018 |website=www.nuigalway.ie}} the University of Massachusetts Boston,{{cite web |title=UMass/South African Story |url=https://www.umassp.edu/aasair/international-relations/umasssouth-africa-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143924/https://www.umassp.edu/aasair/international-relations/umasssouth-africa-story |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=8 June 2018 |website=www.umassp.edu}} and the University of Pennsylvania.{{cite web |date=19 February 2008 |title=COMMENCEMENT 2008: Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients |url=https://almanac.upenn.edu/archive/volumes/v54/n22/commencement.html |access-date=19 July 2021 |website=University of Pennsylvania Almanac |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719103004/https://almanac.upenn.edu/archive/volumes/v54/n22/commencement.html |url-status=live }}

• {{flag|Algeria}}: Medal of the Order of National Merit (Athir, 2024){{Cite news |last=Chafai |first=Mohamed |date=December 7, 2024 |title=President Tebboune awards his South African counterpart Athir Medal of Order of National Merit |url=https://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/55433-president-tebboune-awards-his-south-african-counterpart-athir-medal-of-order-of-national-merit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208153820/https://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/55433-president-tebboune-awards-his-south-african-counterpart-athir-medal-of-order-of-national-merit |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |language=en |agency=Algeria Press Service}}
• {{flag|Guinea}}: Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (2019){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GovernmentZA/status/1202262342727340034|title=Cyril Ramaphosa awarded Grand Croix de la l'Orde National du Merite by President of Guinea|date=4 November 2019|access-date=28 November 2022|archive-date=28 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128061830/https://twitter.com/GovernmentZA/status/1202262342727340034|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: Collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz (2018){{Cite web |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/presidencyza/status/1017439617648418816 |title=Twitter |access-date=23 March 2023 |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204736/https://mobile.twitter.com/presidencyza/status/1017439617648418816 |url-status=live }}
• {{flag|Senegal}}: Grand Cross of the National Order of the Lion (2021){{cite news|url=https://thediplomaticinsight.com/south-african-president-visits-senegal/|title=South African President visits Senegal|date=8 December 2021|publisher=thediplomaticinsight.com|access-date=28 November 2022|archive-date=28 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128075241/https://thediplomaticinsight.com/south-african-president-visits-senegal/|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|United Kingdom}}: Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB, 2022)

Ramaphosa was married from 1978 to 1989 to Hope Ramaphosa, with whom he has a son, and from 1991 to 1993 to the now deceased businesswoman Nomazizi Mtshotshisa. In 1996, he married Tshepo Motsepe,{{cite news|url=http://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/229817/cyril-ramaphosa-rejects-state-house/|title=Cyril Ramaphosa rejects state house|work=The Citizen|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812210825/http://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/229817/cyril-ramaphosa-rejects-state-house/|url-status=live}} a medical doctor and the sister of South African mining billionaire Patrice Motsepe.{{cite news |last1=Head |first1=Tom |title=Six things you didn't know about Tshepo Motsepe: SA's new First Lady |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/who-is-tshepo-motsepe-first-lady/ |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=The South African |date=16 February 2018 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615144814/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/who-is-tshepo-motsepe-first-lady/ |url-status=live }} He is thought to have five children.{{cite news |date=25 February 2018 |title=Women go wild for Ramaphosa son |work=IOL |url=https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/lifestyle/women-go-wild-for-ramaphosa-son-13474290 |url-status=live |access-date=25 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183821/https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/lifestyle/women-go-wild-for-ramaphosa-son-13474290 |archive-date=25 April 2018}}{{cite news |last=Maune |first=Bernice |date=3 September 2017 |title=I support and love him, says Ramaphosa's wife following cheating scandal |work=The Citizen |url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1637687/i-support-and-love-him-says-ramaphosas-wife-tshepo-motsepe-following-cheating-scandal/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929224649/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1637687/i-support-and-love-him-says-ramaphosas-wife-tshepo-motsepe-following-cheating-scandal/ |archive-date=29 September 2017}}

He owns a luxury mansion at the foot of Lion's Head in Cape Town,{{cite news |last1=Huisman |first1=Bienne |title=Cyril Ramaphosa's R30m posh plot |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Ramaphosas-R30m-posh-plot-20150711-2 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=City Press |date=12 July 2015 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109090143/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Ramaphosas-R30m-posh-plot-20150711-2 |url-status=live }} as well as 30 other properties.{{cite news |date=22 February 2017 |title=Ramaphosa declares ownership of 31 properties |work=Business Day |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/rdm/politics/2017-02-22-ramaphosa-declares-ownership-of-31-properties/|first=Bianca|last=Capazorio |url-status=dead |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812141803/https://www.businesslive.co.za/rdm/politics/2017-02-22-ramaphosa-declares-ownership-of-31-properties/ |archive-date=12 August 2017}} In 2018, Investing.com estimated his net worth at R6.4 billion ($450 million).{{cite news |date=3 July 2019 |title=Here are 24 of the richest people in South Africa |newspaper=BusinessTech |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/327059/here-are-24-of-the-richest-people-in-south-africa/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105173142/https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/327059/here-are-24-of-the-richest-people-in-south-africa/ |archive-date=5 November 2019}}

He is a polyglot, and is known for using a variety of South African languages when delivering his speeches.{{cite news |last1=Karrim |first1=Azarrah |title='There is no language that is superior to another' – Ramaphosa celebrates Heritage Day with a focus on African languages |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/there-is-no-language-that-is-superior-to-another-ramaphosa-celebrates-heritage-day-with-a-focus-on-african-languages-20190924 |access-date=9 November 2019 |newspaper=News24 |date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=27 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927034432/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/there-is-no-language-that-is-superior-to-another-ramaphosa-celebrates-heritage-day-with-a-focus-on-african-languages-20190924 |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• Butler, Anthony (2011). Cyril Ramaphosa. Johannesburg: Jacana. p. 1. {{ISBN|9781431401840}}.
• Lodge, Tom (2006). Mandela : a critical life. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 211. {{ISBN| 978-0-19-151723-5}}. {{OCLC| 99996633}}.
• Black Economic Empowerment Commission (2001). A National Integrated Black Economic Empowerment Strategy (PDF). Johannesburg: Skotaville Press. {{ISBN|9781919882024}}.
• Ray, Hartley (2019). Der Weg zur Macht in Südafrika. Tessa Publishing. {{ISBN|978-3-947925-04-9}}
• Ray, Hartley (2018). Ramaphosa: Path to Power. South Africa: Jonathan Ball Publishers. {{ISBN|9781868429165}}

{{commons category|Cyril Ramaphosa}}

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• {{c-SPAN|23787}}
• [http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/national-orders/recipient/cyril-ramaphosa-1952 Cyril Ramaphosa (1952 – ) | The Presidency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516054708/http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/national-orders/recipient/cyril-ramaphosa-1952 |date=16 May 2021 }}

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