Ramaphosa aims to lead South Africa out of corruption swamp

Up from Soweto township to become a leading anti-apartheid activist and then wealthy businessman, Cyril Ramaphosa has been a central figure in South Africa’s tumultuous history before becoming the country’s acting President.

Astute and articulate, the 65-year-old former Deputy President marshalled the forces that brought scandal-swamped Jacob Zuma to resign late on Wednesday and now faces the challenge of rejuvenating one of Africa’s most powerful economies.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) “couldn’t have got a better person to lead the country out of crisis,” said William Gumede, professor at the school of governance at the University of the Witswatersrand.