Billionaire Dr Patrice Motsepe seemingly alluded to Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi becoming President Cyril Ramaphosa’s successor.
The mining mogul, ranked number 10 on Forbes’ list of the richest people in Africa, told guests at a SA National Editors Forum fundraising dinner that being president is a “calling” and does not require personal wealth.
MOTSEPE SAYS BEING PRESIDENT IS A ‘CALLING’
Motsepe, long rumoured to hold influence within the African National Congress (ANC), inner workings, specifically mentioned Lesufi in his remarks. This has led to many strongly convinced that Lesufi has been endorsed to take the reins from Ramaphosa.
The billionaire said, “There are many people in this country who are incredible people, enormously talented, enormously committed. Let’s start with Panyaza – premier of Gauteng, that job is a calling.”
Motsepe, who is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law described being the head of state as “sacrosanct”, likening it to a near-spiritual duty.
“You’ve got to look at if you are mayor or city or town you have the duty for people who lead but also your duty towards almighty because there’s things they may do which other people don’t see so make sure when you sleep in night and absolutely convince that everything I’m doing is proper, it’s fair,” he said.
INFIGHTING IN THE ANC
The Confederation of African Football President’s comments come in the wake of a recent spat between ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and Motsepe. Mbalula had to apologise after claiming Motsepe planned to run for ANC president, saying he was merely relaying a National Executive Committee warning against public succession talk.
Mbalula said he was acting as the messenger between the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC). He cautioned party members against discussions about Ramaphosa’s successor.
“I’m not fighting with him. I was relaying NEC’s decision saying we must not speak about succession battles because we are in trouble. We must fight and win the elections and then we can speak about it,” said Mbalula.
His latest remarks land against a backdrop of internal tensions in the ruling party, including reports that Mbalula attempted to discipline Lesufi for criticising the Government of National Unity. This stoked belief among citizens that Motsepe’s comments were a tacit endorsement of Lesufi to take the reins after Ramaphosa.
NO CONFIDENCE
Commenting on this was controversial account on X @Lebona_cabonena, who said they had lost respect for Motsepe.
“According to Patrice Motsepe, Andrek Panyaza Lesufi is a suitable person to be the President of South Africa. He ignored the looting under Panyaza Lesufi, he ignored the R400 million scandal. He ignored the hate for the White people. He ignored the illegal amapanyaza.”
Meanwhile, “political analysis” on X @Lisathe_first commented:
“The ANC race to 2027 is interesting, 1. Senzo Mchunu has been deeply wounded and neutralised after the expose of his criminal network. 2. Patrice Motsepe withdrew his ambitions yesterday and endorsed Panyaza Lesufi. 3. Fikile Mbalula has made his intentions clear which we highly support. There is hope for ANC under President Mbalula.”
