Billionaire to President? Patrice Motsepe’s Name Surfaces in ANC Leadership TalksBut He’s Not Interested

South Africa’s richest Black billionaire, Patrice Motsepe, has once again found himself at the centre of political speculation. Despite repeatedly dismissing any interest in public office, a confluence of eventshis recent corporate exit, a clandestine T-shirt campaign, and the ANC’s looming succession debatehas reignited rumours that he may be positioning himself to lead the party .

The speculation follows Motsepe’s retirement as executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on 16 February 2026, a move formally required by new Johannesburg Stock Exchange governance rules that separate board oversight from executive management . He remains on the board as non-executive chairman .

The ‘PM27’ Campaign

Adding fuel to the fire is the emergence of branded T-shirts bearing the slogan “PM2027” and the word “Savumelana” (a call for unity), which have circulated widely on social media . Political analyst Prince Mashele claims the ANC is printing these shirts to support a Motsepe bid . However, the ANC has distanced itself, with secretary-general Fikile Mbalula calling the campaign “mischievous” and urging members to focus on the 2026 local elections rather than “chasing ghosts” .

Who’s Driving the Draft?

According to the Mail & Guardian, a “PM27” campaignan organised ANC effort exploring Motsepe’s potential as a unifying figureis being driven by business stakeholders concerned about the party’s stability and its impact on investor confidence . A lobbyist affiliated with the South African Communist Party has reportedly taken on a media role for the campaign, telling the M&G: “This is not about Patrice waking up one morning and wanting to be president. It is about stabilising the centre of power before the ANC implodes” .

Senior business leaders view Motsepe as a credible, neutral candidate who could reassure markets, though Business Unity South Africa stresses it is not endorsing any candidate .

Mixed Reactions Within the ANC

Within the ANC, reaction is divided. Some members, particularly in Gauteng, see Motsepe’s financial independence and business success as an asset that could restore the party’s electoral credibility . Others resist, viewing it as “business trying to recolonise the ANC” . A senior ANC Women’s League official cautioned: “You cannot buy legitimacy. Leadership is built in the trenches” .

Analysts note that if elected, Motsepe would be the first ANC president in the democratic era without an anti-apartheid activist background or imprisonment history . He would bring leadership from the football world as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) .

Motsepe’s Position

Despite the speculation, Motsepe’s office maintains he has “not changed his position” and remains focused on business and philanthropy . His spokesperson told The Citizen: “He has indicated many times on various platforms that he is not running for the ANC Presidency” .

The Structural Challenge

Political commentator Clive Ndou argues in The Witness that even if Motsepe wanted the job, he would face an uphill battle. “Leadership within the governing party is rarely determined by reputation, wealth or administrative competence alone. Instead, it is forged through long-standing political networks, factional alliances and an unbroken presence in the trenches of party activity” .

Ndou draws a parallel with businessman Sandile Zungu, who sought to lead the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in 2022 and was decisively rejected by delegates despite impeccable credentials .

What’s Next

The ANC’s next leadership contest will take place at its 2027 elective conference . For now, Motsepe remains on the sidelines, the T-shirts remain unofficial, and the party’s succession remains an openand increasingly complexquestion.

{Source: businessinsider}

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