How Much Cyril Ramaphosa Earns in 2025: Salary & Net Worth

Cyril Ramaphosa is many things: president, dealmaker, former activist, and one of the richest politicians on the African continent. But in 2025, with elections behind us and tough economic realities still biting, South Africans are once again asking: What does the president actually earn, and how did he get so rich?

Here’s the full breakdown of his salary, income streams, assets, and the billionaire story behind the man in the Union Buildings.

From the Mines to the Presidency

Ramaphosa began as a student activist in Soweto, then rose to prominence as general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers in the 1980s. He was central to ending apartheid, serving as chief ANC negotiator during South Africa’s transition to democracy and helping draft the Constitution.

After being passed over for leadership in the 1990s, Ramaphosa stepped back from politics, but not from ambition.

The Business Empire That Made Him a Billionaire

In the 2000s, Ramaphosa built a corporate empire through Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) deals, forming the Shanduka Group. He secured major stakes in:

• MTN

• McDonald’s South Africa

• Standard Bank

• Lonmin

• Mining, energy, fast food and telecoms

This made him one of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals, even before returning to politics under Jacob Zuma’s administration.

What Is Cyril Ramaphosa’s Salary in 2025?

As of 2025, Ramaphosa earns a government salary of R3,348,761 per year, which works out to about R279,000 per month.

That number is set by the Presidential Remuneration Commission and is public record. Since 2018, Ramaphosa has reportedly continued donating half of his presidential salary to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

What Is His Net Worth in 2025?

Ramaphosa’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $450 million USD, or around R6.4 billion, based on verified reports from:

• TechPoint Africa

• CelebMash

• Wikipedia (cited financial disclosures)

His wealth is largely private-sector based and not from state funds.

Properties and Personal Assets

Ramaphosa owns high-value real estate and luxury cars. These include:

Properties:

• Two plots in Fresnaye, Cape Town

• Land near Lion’s Head reportedly worth over R30 million

• Additional properties held under family trusts

Cars:

• BMW 7 Series

• BMW X3 M40i

• Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

• Toyota Hilux Raider

• VW Polo

He also uses a state-issued presidential motorcade, but those vehicles are government-owned.

Where the Money Comes From

Aside from his presidential pay, Ramaphosa’s wealth flows from:

• Private equity through Shanduka Group

• Historical board roles and dividends from MTN, McDonald’s SA, Lonmin, and others

• Ongoing investment income and family trusts

Though he stepped away from direct business management when re-entering politics, many of these structures still generate passive income.

Why It Matters

In a country with high poverty and unemployment, a billionaire president is both admired and scrutinised. Some South Africans see Ramaphosa’s wealth as proof of independence from corruption. Others feel it distances him from everyday struggles.

Either way, his wealth is a major talking point, and one that continues to shape how voters perceive leadership, success, and economic justice in South Africa.

Cyril Ramaphosa earns just under R280,000 a month in official salary, but his net worth, built from decades of business deals, sits at over R6 billion. That makes him one of the richest heads of state in the world.

He’s not just South Africa’s president; he’s its billionaire-in-chief.

Also read: Here’s How Much Donald Trump Is Worth in 2025

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Source: Inquire Salary

Featured Image: Business Insider