Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, born February 17, 1952, in Soweto, South Africa, is a name synonymous with political resilience and financial acumen. As of 2025, Cyril Ramaphosa is 71 years old and remains the President of South Africa, having held the position since 2018. With a net worth estimated at around R8.3 billion (roughly $445 million USD), Ramaphosa is not only South Africa’s head of state but also one of its wealthiest individuals.
A Political Icon and Anti-Apartheid Hero
Before his journey into politics and business, Ramaphosa was a devoted anti-apartheid activist. In the 1970s and 1980s, a time marked by racial segregation and political turmoil, he rose as a voice for justice. He was a key figure in the Black Consciousness Movement and one of the most influential leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
His leadership at NUM expanded labor rights and gained national recognition. In 1991, he was elected Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), where he served as chief negotiator during the end of apartheid. Ramaphosa’s involvement in drafting South Africa’s democratic constitution solidified his legacy as a founding architect of the post-apartheid era.
From Politics to Private Sector Success
In 1994, after being overlooked for the deputy presidency under Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa pivoted from public office to the private sector. His business career flourished, making him one of South Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs.
He founded Shanduka Group, an investment holding company with interests in mining, telecommunications, energy, banking, and fast food franchises—including a major stake in McDonald’s South Africa. Ramaphosa also held board positions in key corporations like Lonmin, MTN, and Standard Bank. These ventures helped him amass a fortune, independent of his political role.
His business portfolio was known for its diversity and profitability, and though he stepped down from most of these roles after re-entering politics, the legacy of his investments remains a cornerstone of his wealth.
Return to Politics and Presidency
Ramaphosa returned to frontline politics in the 2000s. He served as Deputy President under Jacob Zuma from 2014 to 2018 and succeeded Zuma as ANC President in 2017. In February 2018, he was elected President of South Africa and has since focused on anti-corruption reforms, economic recovery, and restoring state-owned enterprises.
As of 2025, Ramaphosa continues to serve in this role, now in his seventh year as president, and is often praised for his calm demeanor and strategic leadership in crisis management, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salary and Official Earnings
As President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa earns a government-fixed salary of R4,199,199 annually (approx. $224,000 USD). His presidential salary is modest in comparison to his personal wealth, but it represents his role as a public servant rather than a profit-driven position.
In addition to this salary, his assets and past business ventures continue to generate wealth through trusts and long-term investments. Ramaphosa’s financial disclosures show that his income sources are vast, and he remains one of Africa’s richest political leaders.
Assets and Properties
Ramaphosa’s real estate portfolio includes luxury homes and plots primarily in Cape Town. He owns two properties in the city, and reports indicate that he is developing a lavish mansion near Lion’s Head, purchased for R30 million. Additionally, he owns two plots in Fresnaye, bought in 2010 with the intention of building a retirement home.
While some of these properties are held in family trusts, Ramaphosa has declared them in compliance with government transparency laws. The exact number of properties is not public, but insiders believe he owns several more under trust structures, keeping the full scope of his estate somewhat private.
Luxury Car Collection
Ramaphosa is known to enjoy the finer things in life, including luxury automobiles. His personal car collection includes:
- BMW 7 Series
- BMW X3 M40i
- Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
- Toyota 4×4 Hilux Raider
- VW Polo
He also travels in the Presidential Motorcade, which includes BMWs, Jeep SUVs, VW Polos, and an escort team of police vehicles and ambulances. These vehicles, however, are state-owned and not part of his personal assets.
Family and Personal Life
Cyril Ramaphosa is married to Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, a medical doctor and businesswoman. She is also the sister of South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, further tying Ramaphosa to a powerful financial network.
Together, the couple has four children and maintains a relatively private family life. Despite his fame, Ramaphosa has always projected a disciplined and composed image, both in public and at home.
Net Worth and Financial Summary
In 2025, Cyril Ramaphosa’s net worth is estimated at R8,378,437,500—which translates to roughly $445 million USD. This wealth originates from:
- Past business ventures (Shanduka Group, board memberships)
- Real estate investments
- Presidential salary
- Mining sector holdings
- Trust fund assets and long-term investments
His financial history shows smart investment strategies, often prioritizing long-term equity holdings in established industries.
Final Thoughts
Cyril Ramaphosa’s journey is one of grit, strategy, and transformation. From surviving apartheid and leading constitutional reforms to becoming a tycoon in the private sector and then returning to serve his country, Ramaphosa’s life is layered with success stories.
His current net worth of R8.3 billion places him among the wealthiest politicians in Africa, and his influence extends from the boardroom to the presidential office. As of 2025, he remains South Africa’s president, a man equally defined by wealth, legacy, and service.