The 53rd ANC National Conference held in Maungang saw the return of Cyril Ramaphosa to the centre stage of national politics. To the great surprise of almost all South Africans, Ramaphosa was elected Deputy President of the ANC. One can't deny that Ramaphosa is one of the most popular political figures in South Africa. He is widely credited with playing a major role in the negotiations that led to the democratic settlement in South Africa and devising South Africa's Constitution.

“Cyril,” says Anthony Butler, “is the Forrest Gump of South African political history.” By this Butler means that Ramaphosa has been present in the foreground of virtually every important moment in the modern history of his country.

This commanding and fully updated and revised edition features a new chapter from the author covering the most recent and significant developments in the mogul's life including his candidacy for Deputy President, his role in Mangaung, and the controvercial events surrounding Lonmin and the Marikana mines. Based on rich interviews with many of the subject's friends and contemporaries, it marries the historical context and the individual life in a way that brings Ramaphosa fully to life.