‘Patrice Motsepe for president,’ is becoming a never-ending refrain within the upper echelons of the African National Congress (ANC). Many have pegged the billionaire business mogul to replace his brother-in-law, President Cyril Ramaphosa, for the next election in 2027.
South Africa’s prince, as he’s affectionately known, initially built his fortune in mining. In fact, the similarities between Motsepe’s and Ramphosa’s journeys are telling. After working in law firms, both seized early business opportunities in post-apartheid South Africa, before diversifying further to build their fortune.
PATRICE MOTSEPE FOR PRESIDENT!
No one would doubt the credentials of Patrice Motsepe for president when you cast an eye over his CV. It’s estimated that as of October 2025, Patrice Motsepe’s net worth sits at $3.5 billion (R62 billion). He was the first black partner at Johannesburg law firm, Bowman Gilfillan, in 1994. He then purchased underperforming gold mines from AngloGold in 1997 and turned them into highly profitable assets.
In turn, this laid the groundwork for African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), with controlling interests in gold, platinum, iron ore, manganese and other valuable metals. Further spinoffs followed, like African Rainbow Capital and digital banking company Tyme Group. Most readers of The South African know him as the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. As well as current CAF President and 37% stakeholder of the Blue Bulls rugby franchise.
WHAT ABOUT HIS POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS?
But what about the latest rumours of Patrice Motsepe for president? Back in 2022, an ANC branch in Limpopo lobbied to have Motsepe nominated for the party’s top job. He was earmarked, along with Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Lindiwe Sisulu to challenge Ramaphosa’s second presidential term. However, Motsepe did not run, saying he does not have to be in politics to make a contribution to South Africa.
Now, speaking at a fundraising dinner in Houghton last week, ANC party conference in December 2027 rumours were laid to rest once and for all. According to The Citizen, he has no plans to enter politics. “Being president of a country, it’s sacrosanct. It’s holy. I love challenges. But I also know the sort of challenges I shouldn’t waste my time with,” explained Motsepe.
CALLS OF PATRICE MOTSEPE FOR PRESIDENT IN 2027
The billionaire says running a political party is nothing like running a business or football club. “This country has incredible people from whom we will choose the right leadership. And I will, in my own humble way, make a contribution. These people who say we want Patrice Motsepe for president, must realise that you don’t have to enter into politics to make a contribution,” he concluded.
So, as much as his name is at the centre of speculation, it doesn’t look as though the prince will become the king anytime soon. Nevertheless, his net worth makes him South Africa’s third-richest person after Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer. This certainly bestows him with a political power all of its own …
Tell us what you think: Should Patrice Motsepe run for president of the ANC? Is wealth a precursor to good leadership in South Africa?
