Johannesburg, South Africa — 2026-03-03 A new online campaign has emerged, advocating for South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe to lead the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
The campaign, which has yet to disclose its sponsors, suggests that the 64-year-old mining magnate, currently head of the Confederation of African Football, would be the ideal candidate to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa, whose second and final presidential term is coming to an end in three years.
The campaign website claims that Motsepe would be “the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the ANC.”.
However, Motsepe himself has not publicly endorsed the campaign and has consistently denied any interest in the ANC leadership role.
The ANC has also issued a statement reminding its members of the party’s ban on early campaigning. Next year, the ANC will select a successor to Ramaphosa, who has been in office since 2018.
The campaign’s timing and lack of transparency have raised questions about its origins and intentions.
According to sources close to the matter, the ANC has yet to take an official stance on the campaign. Officials commented on the matter.
The promotion of Motsepe as a potential ANC leader comes amidst a period of political uncertainty in South Africa.
The country is preparing for its next general election, which is expected to take place in 2029. Further details regarding the campaign’s backers and its impact on the ANC’s leadership selection process are expected to emerge in the coming days.
