Cyril Ramaphosa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was highlighted among other influential leaders across the world such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is being mentioned for his art of patience and political skills that could enable him tackle the challenges that lie ahead for his country.
Vivienne Walt, a TIME correspondent, who wrote Ramaphosa’s profile said: “…finally, at 66, Ramaphosa, or Cyril, as he’s known to South Africans, has the chance to end corruption and grow the stalled economy. That could be his toughest battle yet. Blackouts, grinding poverty and massive unemployment have left millions desperate for quick results. Vicious infighting in his African National Congress party leaves him vulnerable to a coup, or perhaps an ouster in elections on May 8.
“For all that, Ramaphosa has kept his characteristic chuckle and his knack for focusing on the bigger picture. “Unity,” he said recently, “was never going to happen overnight.” After a lifetime fighting his enemies, he should know.”
