Mining billionaire Patrice Motsepe (64) has put an end to speculation about a possible presidential run, telling reporters in Johannesburg on Wednesday that South Africa does not need him in politics.
The head of African football and brother-in-law to President Cyril Ramaphosa has been repeatedly mentioned in media reports as a potential candidate to succeed Ramaphosa, whose second and final term ends in 2029.
“South Africa does not need me to go into politics,” Motsepe said. “There are many very capable and good leaders in this country.”
No FIFA ambitions
The CAF president also dismissed suggestions he might run for the FIFA presidency when Gianni Infantino’s term ends, saying he remains committed to African football until his current term expires in 2029.
“I have no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA. That doesn’t excite me,” he said.
ANC succession debate heats up
The succession question within the governing African National Congress has become more urgent as Ramaphosa struggles through a difficult second term. The party’s worst electoral performance forced it into a coalition government, while renewed scrutiny over a $4 million cash theft from his private game farm has added pressure.
The Constitutional Court revived impeachment proceedings against the president in May, after the ANC blocked similar efforts in 2022.
Growing political pressure
Motsepe brushed off suggestions that political forces could persuade him to change his mind about entering politics.
“The only problem I have is I’m not part of any group,” he said. “That’s why even some of my friends say things which are not flattering, because somebody said to them that somebody might persuade me to change my view.”
In December, some delegates at the ANC’s national general council meeting wore T-shirts with the slogan “PM27”, referencing a possible 2027 presidential bid. A lobbying website with the same name has since appeared online.
Motsepe founded and owns mining company African Rainbow Minerals and ranks as Africa’s eighth richest person, with an estimated personal wealth of $3,5 billion He became the first black South African billionaire in 2012. He also owns Mamelodi Sundowns, winners of the CAF Champions League
