Could South Africa’s next president come from the boardroom — and the football pitch? Patrice Motsepe, billionaire businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is reportedly being courted by senior ANC members to run for the party’s top job at its 2027 elective conference.
According to reports from Rapport and Sunday World, key figures within the African National Congress see Motsepe as the fresh face the party desperately needs — a man of humble beginnings who rose to continental prominence through business and sport.
⚽ From the Stadium to the Union Buildings?
Motsepe, 63, made waves by turning Mamelodi Sundowns into a football powerhouse and earning re-election as CAF president in March 2025. That track record of leadership and transformation has impressed ANC insiders, who now view him as a strategic candidate to revive the party’s fading voter appeal.
Though Motsepe has not confirmed any political ambitions, insiders claim he is “open” to the idea.
“He’s respected, untainted by party scandals, and has the money and clout to run a powerful campaign,” said one senior ANC source.
💼 A Business Mogul in Politics?
As the executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe’s vast business empire gives him independence — and leverage. Some analysts suggest he could run as an independent candidate if ANC internal politics become too toxic.
However, his family ties to President Cyril Ramaphosa (Motsepe is Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law) and the overlap between his business interests and government policy could spark debates over conflict of interest and political favoritism.
🗳️ A Divided Party, A Critical Moment
Motsepe’s potential entry comes as the ANC faces its most uncertain future yet, with other contenders like Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Fikile Mbalula already positioning themselves for leadership. Yet, none command the same outsider appeal and corporate success that Motsepe brings.
