Cyril Ramaphosa
Awards & Honours
5
Awards Won
6
Honours
8
Rankings
3
Covers
2
Records
Ramaphosa's achievements span labour, politics, and business. He founded the largest trade union in South Africa and led negotiations that ended apartheid. He built a business empire from scratch and later became president. His recognition includes a national order, a peace prize, and multiple listings on the Time 100 and Forbes Power lists. His ability to move between the worlds of activism, capitalism, and governance is rare among his peers.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
National Order of the Baobab (Silver)
Awarded for his contribution to the struggle for democracy.
Honorary Doctorate
Honorary doctorate in recognition of his leadership.
Honorary Doctorate
Honorary doctorate for his role in South Africa's transition.
Key to the City
Awarded for his service to the city.
Guinness World Record
Longest single continuous negotiation (CODESA talks) that ended apartheid.
Forbes Africa Person of the Year
Recognized for his leadership and impact.
Rankings & Lists
Time 100 Most Influential People
Time 100 Most Influential People
Time 100 Most Influential People
World's Most Powerful People
World's Most Powerful People
World's Most Powerful People
World's Most Powerful People
World's Most Powerful People
Magazine Covers
Time
March 2018
The New Mandela? Cyril Ramaphosa: Can He Save South Africa?
Forbes Africa
November 2018
The President's Business Plan
The Economist
February 2018
The Last Chance? Cyril Ramaphosa and the future of South Africa
Records & Feats
Longest single continuous negotiation ending apartheid
Ramaphosa led the CODESA talks from 1991 to 1993, the longest single continuous negotiation that ended apartheid, recognized by Guinness World Records.
First South African president to lead a Government of National Unity after ANC lost majority
After the 2024 general election, Ramaphosa became the first president to lead a coalition government including the ANC, DA, and IFP.