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.
Diverse empire
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).
Can you foresee a scenario where Patrice Motsepe is the next ANC president?
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