South Africa Does Not Need Me In Politics – CAF President Motsepe

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has dismissed speculation that he could one day contest South Africa’s presidency, insisting he has no plans to venture into politics.

Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the 64-year-old billionaire businessman said the country already has many capable leaders and does not need him in public office.

“South Africa does not need me to go into politics. There are many very capable and good leaders in this country,” Motsepe said.

The mining magnate, who has frequently been mentioned in South African media as a possible successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, also ruled out any ambition of succeeding Gianni Infantino as FIFA president.

“I have no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA. That doesn’t excite me,” he said, adding that he remains focused on leading CAF, where his current term runs until 2029.

Speculation about Motsepe’s political future has grown amid succession debates within South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), as Ramaphosa approaches the end of his second and final term in 2029.

The president has also faced renewed scrutiny over a cash-heist scandal involving the theft of $4 million from his private game farm. Although the ANC blocked impeachment proceedings in 2022, South Africa’s Constitutional Court revived the process in May.

Despite growing calls for him to enter politics, Motsepe dismissed suggestions that he could be persuaded to seek the presidency.

“The only problem I have is I’m not part of any group,” he said, noting that some associates continue to speculate about his political ambitions despite his repeated denials.

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

Motsepe is the founder and chairman of African Rainbow Minerals and, according to Forbes, has an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, making him one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals. He is also the owner of South African football club Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning CAF Champions League winners.