‘False and ‘unfounded’, Motsepe denies ANC presidential ambitions

Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has, for the first time, publicly denied that he is campaigning for the leadership of the ANC. Picture: Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has, for the first time, publicly denied that he is campaigning for the leadership of the ANC, describing the rumours “false and unfounded.” The ANC has been in the spotlight after intense lobbying by some in the party in favour of Motsepe running for the party Presidency at the 2027 elective conference. Recently, a “PM27” website was launched, urging South Africans to support the mining mogul and President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to replace President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader.

Ramaphosa is serving his last term as ANC president, and the new candidate will take over from 2027. The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) said it is concerned that the PM27campaign is breaking the ANC’s protocol on internal elections. Some ANC members have been seen wearing PM27 t-shirts and regalia, but it is still unclear whether the PM on these materials stands for Motsepe or Paul Mashatile.

However, addressing shareholders of his company, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), earlier on Friday, Motsepe shut down rumours that he has ambitions for political office. Motsepe said he does not need to enter politics to make a contribution to South Africa, noting that his family foundation will continue supporting various political parties, including the ANC. “The best place for us to make this contribution is outside politics.

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I said this 20 years ago, and I said it five years ago. The minute you run for votes, you lose sight of the broader objective, the broader benefit for all South Africans. “So, let me go back to my shareholders, I have a duty to answer these questions to you… I ignore these things, it’s false, unfounded.

The last year, I would never go and fund people to buy skippers. PM27 could also mean Post Meridian, I don’t know,” Motsepe said to the laughter of the attendees.

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