CAF boss, Motsepe takes final decision on South Africa presidency race

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has dismissed reports suggesting he may one day contest for the presidency of South Africa.

Speaking to journalists in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the 64-year-old businessman said he has no plans to enter politics, despite speculation that he could succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa after his tenure ends in 2029.

According to Motsepe, South Africa already has many capable leaders and does not need him to take up a political role.

He also ruled out any ambition of becoming FIFA president when Gianni Infantino eventually leaves office. Motsepe said he remains fully focused on his responsibilities as CAF president, a position he is expected to hold until 2029.

His comments come amid growing discussions within South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) over who could succeed Ramaphosa. The debate has intensified following the ANC’s poor performance in recent elections, which forced the party into a coalition government.

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

Motsepe said he has no interest in joining any political camp or succession battle. He added that some people continue to speculate about his future despite his repeated statements that he is not interested in politics.

Speculation about a possible presidential ambition increased in December when some ANC delegates attended a party meeting wearing T-shirts with the slogan “PM27,” suggesting support for a Motsepe presidential bid. A website promoting the same idea was also launched.

Motsepe is one of Africa’s richest businessmen. He founded African Rainbow Minerals and has an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. In 2012, he became the first Black South African to appear on Forbes’ billionaire list.

Apart from his business interests, he also owns South African football club Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the continent’s most successful teams.

However, Motsepe has made it clear that his focus remains on football administration and business, not politics.