Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confederation of African Football, dismisses rumors of a run for the South African presidency

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Motsepe

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President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday ruled out a future in politics, dismissing speculation that he could one day run for the country’s presidency.

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The 64-year-old billionaire mining magnate has been repeatedly mentioned in the South African media as a potential successor to his brother-in-law, President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose second and final term ends in 2029.

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“South Africa does not need me to go into politics,” Motsepe told reporters in Johannesburg.

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“There are many very capable and good leaders in this country,” he said.

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Motsepe also ruled out a bid to succeed Gianni Infantino as FIFA chief, saying he remained focused on his role at the helm of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

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“I have no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA. That doesn’t excite me,” he said. Motsepe’s current CAF term runs until 2029.

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South Africa’s succession debate has intensified within the governing African National Congress (ANC) as Ramaphosa navigates a turbulent second term after the party’s worst electoral performance forced it into an uneasy coalition government.

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The president has also faced renewed pressure over a cash-heist scandal, in which $4 million was stolen from his private game farm.

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The ANC blocked impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa over the scandal in 2022, but the Constitutional Court revived the process in May.

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Motsepe brushed aside suggestions that he could be drawn into the contest to succeed Ramaphosa.

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“The only problem I have is I’m not part of any group,” he said.

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“That’s why even some of my friends say things which are not flattering, because somebody said to them that somebody might persuade me to change my view.”

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In December, Motsepe attended the ANC’s national general council meeting, where some delegates wore T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “PM27” — a reference to a possible presidential bid in 2027. A lobbying website bearing the same name has also been launched.

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He founded and owns mining company African Rainbow Minerals and is Africa’s eighth richest person, with a personal wealth estimated at $3.5 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

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In 2012, Motsepe made the Forbes billionaire list, making him the first black South African to reach the mark.

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He also owns CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns.

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