Patrice Motsepe.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
SOME political analysts have cast doubt on Patrice Motsepe's capabilities to lead South Africa, citing a lack of experience in politics and government.
Their comments come following the launch of a website dedicated to Motsepe’s ANC presidential campaign.
Despite Motsepe’s repeated denials of interest in the ANC presidency, a dedicated campaign website was launched last week, under the slogan “Savumelana”.
This was also despite ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s repeatedly warning ANC members against early campaigning, stating that the party’s focus must remain on the 2026 local government elections.
Asked to comment on the website, Mbalula declined to respond on the matter.
The PM27 campaigners described Motsepe as the 'most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the ANC and South Africa into a new era of integrity, growth, and unity'.
The campaigners said this seeks to unite the ANC and the nation behind a shared vision of ethical leadership, national renewal, and prosperity.
“By fostering respectful and constructive dialogue, the campaign emphasises diversity, inclusion, and integrity—placing anti-corruption and nation-building at its core.
"Patrice Motsepe’s proven track record and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership make him the only credible choice to restore trust, inspire hope, and lead South Africa toward a brighter future,” the website states.
However, political analyst Sandile Swana said Motsepe’s campaigners must provide a detailed track record of Motsepe to confirm his suitability, adding that he cannot be elected based on bold claims from a group with vested interests.
“Motsepe has been around, and he didn’t need to be the president of the ANC if he was an influential and trusted leader. He could have already taken action to unify the ANC since 2007,” said Swana.
Swana said there is no prior evidence that Motsepe is capable of leading the country.
“He has not run a municipality, province, state-owned entities, held a cabinet position, or a deputy presidency. To run a private company for profit is a very different thing from running a public organisation,” he said.
PM27 head of communications, Ishmael Mnisi, said Motsepe’s contribution to South Africa’s transformation has extended across various spheres, including economic empowerment, job creation, philanthropy, and nation-building.
Mnisi said they believe that today’s challenges require leaders who are not only inspired by the legacy of the struggle but are also equipped to drive inclusive growth and renewal in a democratic South Africa.
“The Motsepe family has always been associated with activism, resistance, and the values of non- racialism and justice. Dr. Patrice Motsepe himself was involved in student politics and youth activism during his formative years, maintaining close ties with anti-apartheid networks and supporting initiatives that advanced the struggle for freedom and equality,” Mnisi said.
The ANC is expected to hold its next leadership conference in 2027, where the party will elect a president and other senior officials.
Ramaphosa, who was initially elected in 2017, secured a second term as a party leader in 2022.
Motsepe, Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law and a founder of the African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), currently serves as president of the Confederation of African Football.
He has long been regarded as politically connected, including through family ties to Ramaphosa.
He has also been recorded as a donor to multiple political parties since the introduction of South Africa’s Political Party Funding Act in 2021. Disclosure reports published by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) show contributions linked ARM to both the ANC and the DA.
Another political analyst, Professor Sipho Seepe, said Motsepe simply needs the support of influential individuals within the ANC.
Motsepe recently relinquished his position as executive chair of ARM to become non-executive chair.