Business magnate Patrice Motsepe has once again dismissed speculation suggesting he might replace his brother-in-law, President Cyril Ramaphosa, as leader of the African National Congress (ANC).
The billionaire was responding to persistent rumours that began in 2022 when an ANC branch in Maandagshoek, near Burgersfort in Limpopo, nominated him for the party’s top post.
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The branch wanted Motsepe to contest Ramaphosa’s second term, joining figures like Zweli Mkhize, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Lindiwe Sisulu.
Speaking at the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner at the Houghton Hotel on Friday, Motsepe made his position clear.
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“I’ve never liked people who say that we don’t want a president who’s got kiss madoda [knock-knees]. Now, when I walk around, and I look at my knees, they are knocked all the time. So that rules me out,” he joked.
“Being President Is Sacrosanct,” Says Patrice Motsepe
Motsepe emphasised that he holds the office of president in high regard and has no desire to pursue it. “I love people who say that South Africa does not need a rich man to be president. They are so correct. Absolutely correct. Being president of a country, it’s sacrosanct. Sacrosanct. It’s holy,” he said.
He added that while he enjoys challenges, he knows which ones are not worth pursuing. “This country has got incredible people from whom we will choose the right leadership, including the right president. And I will, in my own humble way and with my family, make a contribution,” he said.
Motsepe described himself as “conservative” and a loyal supporter of the “Mandela party”, though he expressed appreciation for all political parties in South Africa.
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Agreeing With Mbalula: “Politics Is Not Football”
Motsepe also weighed in on remarks made by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula earlier this year, agreeing with his distinction between political leadership and sports administration.
Addressing the ANC Eastern Cape’s Chris Hani regional conference in June, Mbalula had said: “Leading the ANC is not like leading a football club; you work for this. This is not like football, stop likening leading the ANC to football, you work for this.”
Referring to Mbalula’s comments, Motsepe said, “You obviously haven’t heard what Fikile Mbalula said about football and politics. And I agree with him. But whatever you do in life, it’s got to be something that excites you, something that you are passionate about.”
He reiterated that he can still make a meaningful contribution without joining politics. “I don’t have to enter into politics to make the contribution. What South Africa needs now, more than anything, is for all of us to come together and to work together and focus on those issues that keep us together,” Motsepe concluded.
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