Motsepe’s move to politics could shield Ramaphosa from future Phala Phala probes

President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and businessman Patrice Motsepe. Picture: Gallo Images / Lefty Shivambu Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has publicly denied he is campaigning for the ANC presidency, calling 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 – who is also president of the Confederation of African Football – to replace President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader. Ramaphosa is serving his second and last term as ANC president and the new candidate will take over from 2027. The ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) has expressed concern that the PM27 campaign 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 Deputy President Paul Mashatile. However, addressing shareholders of his company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on Friday,Motsepe dismissed rumoursthat he has ambitions for political office. Motsepe said he does not need to enter politics to make a contribution to South Africa, noting his family foundation will continue supporting various political parties, including the ANC.

[paywall]

“The best place for us to make this contribution is outside poltics. I said this 20 years ago and I said it five years ago.

[/paywall]