Tshepo Motsepe is the current First Lady of South Africa, as the wife of Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa. She is a physician and businesswoman, who has worked in both public and private practice in South Africa and Zimbabwe. She is also the chairperson of the African Self Help Trust (ASHA Trust), which focuses on early childhood development and education.
But how did she meet her husband, who is now one of the most powerful leaders in Africa? Well, according to a report by The Citizen, the couple had their first date at a McDonald’s restaurant in Soweto in 1994. Ramaphosa, who was then the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), had invited Motsepe to join him for a meal after a rally. Motsepe, who was then working as a doctor at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, agreed to go with him.
The report said that Ramaphosa was impressed by Motsepe’s intelligence, beauty and humility. He also liked that she was not intimidated by his political stature. Motsepe, on the other hand, was attracted by Ramaphosa’s charm, sense of humor and passion for social justice. They soon fell in love and got married in 1996.
Since then, they have been a supportive and loving couple, raising four children together. They have also been involved in various philanthropic and humanitarian causes, such as fighting HIV/AIDS, poverty and inequality. Motsepe has accompanied Ramaphosa on several official visits and engagements, both locally and internationally. She has also represented South Africa at various forums and events, such as the African Union Summit and the Global Citizen Festival.
First Lady of South Africa 🇿🇦…first date with Cyril Ramaphosa 🙂 pic.twitter.com/63sPs4az76
— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) July 22, 2023
Motsepe is widely admired for her grace, elegance and dignity. She is also respected for her professional achievements and her commitment to improving the lives of others. She is a role model for many young women in South Africa and beyond.
As the First Lady of South Africa, Motsepe continues to inspire and empower people with her vision, values and voice. She is a true partner to her husband, who once described her as “the rock upon which I stand” . Together, they are a formidable force for positive change in South Africa and the world.