Billionaire Patrice Motsepe comments on running for ANC President

Billionaire Patrice Motsepe would not confirm or deny that he may run for ANC president. However, he said he continues to make his contribution outside of politics.

Motsepe is one of South Africa’s top businessmen, with a net worth of $4.3 billion, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

His business journey began in 1994, when he founded Future Mining, which grew rapidly into a successful contract mining company.

Three years later, in 1997, he formed ARMgold, which was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in 2002.

He led ARMgold into a merger with Avmin and Harmony Gold in 2003, and the company changed its name to African Rainbow Minerals (ARM).

He serves as the executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, the deputy chairman of Sanlam, and the chairman of Harmony Gold.

Motsepe is also the founder and Chairman of Ubuntu-Botho Investments, African Rainbow Capital (ARC), and African Rainbow Energy and Power (AREP).

Outside of business, he is the President of CAF and Vice President of FIFA. He was previously Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club.

Two years ago, rumours began circulating about a movement called PM27, short for Patrice Motsepe 2027, which backed him for ANC president.

More recently, a PM27 website was launched, which openly promoted Motsepe as a presential candidate at the ANC’s National Conference in December 2027.

“The PM27 Campaign champions Patrice Motsepe as the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the African National Congress,” it said.

The campaign called on all South Africans to rally behind Motsepe as a leader who embodies unity, progress, and ethical governance.

The website was recently taken down. However, rumours that Motsepe is looking to run for ANC President persist.

Motsepe would not confirm the rumours

Motsepe has consistently denied plans to run for ANC president, saying he does not have to be president to contribute to South Africa.

In a recent France 24 interview, he did not directly answer whether he was running for president. However, he said he makes a contribution in other ways.

“I’m very clear that the best place for me to continue making my contribution to a country that has given so much is outside of politics,” he said.

When pressed by the interviewer on whether he would run for President, he sidestepped the question with a polished response.

“I told Bloomberg, and I’m telling you as well: I don’t have to fulfil my duty or make a contribution to my country on a political platform,” he said.

“The best way to do that is to maintain the humble relationships we have with everybody and let them go and campaign.”

He added that South Africa has exceptional leaders, both within the African National Congress and outside it.

“I can tell you the ANC will have a good leader, and whoever that leader is, I’ll support them,” Motsepe said.

“We give money to all political parties. I will also continue working together with all the political parties in South Africa.”

Motsepe said what South Africa needs is for all citizens to unite, to come together, and to extend their cooperation beyond party political affiliations and commitments.

Patrice Motsepe the most popular choice for ANC President

Frans Cronje, who is involved with the Social Research Foundation, which does polling and reports on South African political issues, said Motsepe leads the ANC race.

South African voters were asked who their preferred candidate was to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Motsepe led with 23%, followed by Fikile Mbalula with 19% and Paul Mashatile with 13%.

“What was striking is that this result came when voters did not think that Motsepe was a candidate for the ANC presidency,” he said.

After the PM27 campaign website was launched, promoting Patrice Motsepe for the 2027 ANC leadership, his support soared.

It boosted Motsepe’s support to 39% in Q1 2026, well ahead of other candidates such as Mbalula on 14% and Mashatile on 12%.

The support was even stronger among ANC voters, with 47% supporting Motsepe to succeed Ramaphosa, well ahead of Mbalula on 19% and Mashatile on 16%.

“If his team sees their way through the ANC’s electoral conference in December of 2027, then he is likely the candidate. He will win,” Cronje said.

South African voters were asked who their preferred candidate was to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as the leader of the ANC.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Motsepe led with 23%, followed by Fikile Mbalula with 19% and Paul Mashatile with 13%.

“What was striking is that this result came when voters did not think that Motsepe was a candidate for the ANC presidency,” he said.

In March 2026, a campaign website was launched called PM27, promoting Patrice Motsepe for the 2027 ANC leadership.

“The PM27 Campaign champions Patrice Motsepe as the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the ANC and South Africa,” it stated.

The campaign calls on all South Africans to rally behind Motsepe as a leader who embodies unity, progress, and ethical governance.

“The idea of him being a candidate for ANC president became something the public thought about,” Cronje said.

This sent Motsepe’s support to 39% in Q1 2026, well ahead of other candidates like Mbalula on 14% and Mashatile on 12%.

The support was even stronger among ANC voters, with 47% supporting Motsepe to succeed Ramaphosa, well ahead of Mbalula on 19% and Mashatile on 16%.

“If his team sees their way through the ANC’s electoral conference in December of 2027, then he is likely the candidate. He will win,” Cronje said.

The chart below, shared by Cronje, showed the strong support for Patrice Motsepe as the new ANC president.