Motsepe Drawn into ANC Presidential Race

Mbalula cautions PM27 campaigners, while DA’s Helen Zille predicts a seamless transition from Ramaphosa presidency

As the African National Congress (ANC) braces itself for its National Elective Conference, speculation is mounting that billionaire Patrice Motsepe might attempt to take charge of South Africa’s ruling party and reign as the country’s next president. Recently, a rowdy yet robust image of T-shirts printed with PM27 Savumelana has been circulating on social media, implicating the billionaire in a political ploy to run South Africa. The billionaire was also spotted at the National General Council (NGC) this year, sparking questions about whether a business figure with a reputable background a positive choice for the nation’s top office is. Known for his ability to turn ventures into successes, Motsepe has demonstrated significant financial leadership as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). During his tenure, he reportedly managed to turn a debt of R2.25-billion ($140-million) into an alleged net profit of R152-million ($9.48-million) between the 2023 and 2024 financial years. Motsepe ensured that CAF’s annual revenue rose to approximately R2.4-billion to R2.66-billion ($150-million to $166-million), while the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) generated a record R1.28-billion ($80-million) in profit. Under his leadership, sponsors grew from seven to 17, and television partnerships increased to 110. Beyond football, Motsepe is noted for a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and improved auditing practices. He successfully settled a long-standing legal battle with Lagardère Sports and oversaw a record-breaking 1.4 billion viewers for the 2023 AFCON. His philanthropic work through the Motsepe Foundation focuses on eradicating poverty and improving living standards by providing education bursaries to disadvantaged students. The foundation also maintains a R150-million ($9.3-million) five-year partnership with the Department of Basic Education for school sports and arts. Motsepe’s humanitarian efforts extend to supporting HIV/AIDS research and donating R16-million ($1-million) to the African Union (AU) to combat Ebola. Despite these achievements, he has strongly denied rumours of a presidential run, claiming he has no interest in politics and prefers to focus on his foundations, Mamelodi Sundowns, and CAF. If the rumours were to prove true, however, Motsepe would be campaigning to replace his brother-in-law, the current president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Adding weight to the discussion, high-profile figures within the opposition have also weighed in on the prospect. Democratic Alliance Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille suggested that such a shift would not necessarily be a shock to the political system. “I perceive that a transition from President Ramaphosa to ‘President Motsepe’ would not be disruptive; it would be a smooth process,” Zille said according to Sunday World, adding that there was nothing unusual about the prospect of a businessman leading the country, given Ramaphosa’s own background in business. Zille further elaborated on the familial and professional ties between the two men, noting that the success of such a move would depend largely on internal party dynamics. “Well, we had a president from business, which is president Ramaphosa. From what I know, Patrice Motsepe is his brother-in-law, so they are very closely related, but it depends on whether that faction of the ANC can maintain their peace. Patrice Motsepe will be a seamless transition from what we have now and the future,” Zille added. Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, has urged party members to cease discussions regarding 2027 or preferred candidates. Mbalula has threatened disciplinary action if it is found that a party member instigated the printing of the #PM27 merchandise. “People are telling us these things about PM 2027, diverting us from the major tasks. We should be focusing on the tasks of reclaiming our lost ground,” Mbalula told the SABC in a broadcast interview. Mbalula expressed his frustration with the speculation, stating that he cannot entertain baseless claims without official communication from the billionaire himself. He also questioned the timing of the campaign, suggesting that if Motsepe truly wanted to support the party, his focus should be on immediate electoral needs. “Why should we be busy with that now? He should be pumping money into supporting the ANC to win local government elections if he loved the ANC,” Mbalula concluded.