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IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
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.
The South African
05-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
ANC insiders pushing Patrice Motsepe for president
A quiet but significant movement is unfolding within the African National Congress (ANC) as senior members reportedly rally behind billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe to consider a presidential bid at the party's 2027 elective conference. According to reports, some ANC insiders have already drafted campaign materials envisioning Motsepe as President, with Senzo Mchunu as Deputy President and Oscar Mabuyane as Secretary General, indicating that a shadow campaign may be underway. While Motsepe has not publicly expressed political ambitions, his deep ties to the ANC – he is President Cyril Ramaphosa's brother-in-law – and his extensive business credentials make him a compelling figure. As the founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe has built a diverse empire spanning mining, finance, telecommunications, and sports. He also serves as president of Mamelodi Sundowns and has led the Confederation of African Football since 2021. The ANC's Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, has issued stern warnings against premature campaigning, emphasising that any member engaging in early leadership contests will face disciplinary action. Nonetheless, speculation persists, with other potential contenders including Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Motsepe's potential candidacy is seen by some as an opportunity to rejuvenate the ANC's image, offering a leader with a clean public record and proven management skills. His humble beginnings in Ga-Rankuwa, where he learned business fundamentals in his father's spaza shop, resonate with many South Africans. His supporters argue that his corporate governance experience could translate effectively into political leadership. As the ANC prepares for its 56th National Conference in December 2027, the emergence of Motsepe as a potential candidate adds a new dimension to the party's internal dynamics. Whether he chooses to step into the political arena remains to be seen, but the groundwork laid by his supporters suggests that the possibility is being taken seriously within ANC circles. According to the latest Forbes Real Time Billionaires list, Motsepe is the fourth-richest South African with a net worth of $3.1 billion (R56.8 billion). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
