Behind-the-scenes campaign for a Motsepe presidency
Former Sundowns boss ANC members are said to be quietly rallying behind billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe as a future president of South Africa, according to sources
A seismic shift is unfolding within the ANC as whispers of a behind-the-scenes campaign to position billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe as a future President of South Africa. Though not officially confirmed, several senior ANC members are said to be quietly rallying behind Motsepe with the 2027 ANC elective conference in their sights.
According to well-placed sources, preliminary campaign materials have already been drafted, envisioning a leadership trio of Motsepe as President, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu as Deputy President, and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane as Secretary General.
This shadow campaign, though still unofficial, has sparked speculation that a long game is being played, with Motsepe at the centre of a potential power base within the ruling ANC.
Motsepe, founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, has never publicly expressed political ambitions.
However, his deep roots in the ANC, bolstered by his family ties—he is the brother-in-law of President Cyril Ramaphosa — along with his impressive business résumé, make him a compelling candidate in the eyes of some party insiders.
The billionaire's diverse portfolio spans mining, finance, telecommunications, and sports. In addition to his business empire, Motsepe is also the president of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and has served as the president of the Confederation of African Football since 2021.
Supporters argue that his track record of leadership and clean public image could help rejuvenate the ANC, which has suffered reputational damage from corruption scandals and infighting in recent years.
His detractors claim that Motsepe will be another instrument of capital. 'He has no support on the ground, he has no constituency. All he has is money and political connections. He will be another instrument of capital like we have now'
Motsepe's story began in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria, where he helped run his father's spaza shop as a child. He is now the fourth-richest person in South Africa — currently valued at $3.1 billion (R56.8 billion), according to Forbes.
The ANC's Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, has warned against premature campaigning. He stated that any ANC member found engaging in early lobbying or leadership contests would face disciplinary action.
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