Confederation of African Football (CAF) president and billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed his commitment to the African National Congress (ANC), saying the party still plays a vital role in shaping South Africa’s future.
Speaking at the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) fundraising gala dinner on Friday, Motsepe said despite the challenges the country faces — many of which have been attributed to the ANC — the party remains a “broad church” that is necessary for national progress.
Motsepe, who confirmed he remains an ANC member, dismissed ongoing speculation that he might enter the race to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa. He said he has no intention of contesting for political leadership, reiterating his long-held stance that he does not need to join politics to make meaningful contributions to the country.
“I don’t have to enter into politics to make a contribution. All of us have an enormous obligation to do so,” he said.
Motsepe acknowledged that the ANC had made mistakes but maintained that it still had capable individuals who could lead the organisation beyond Ramaphosa’s term. “I can tell you there are some good people in the ANC, excellent people. Whoever the ANC chooses as president, I will support and work with that person to keep this movement and alliance together,” he said.
He compared the ANC’s role in politics to that of Kaizer Chiefs in football, saying both are essential pillars in their respective spaces. “Whether we accept it or not, the African National Congress is in alliance with Cosatu and the Communist Party. The older generation got it right when they brought everyone to the table. The ANC continues to be a broad church,” Motsepe stated.
While acknowledging widespread disappointment among South Africans over the ANC’s governance, he cautioned against completely dismissing the party. “There have been enormous problems with the ANC, and many people are disappointed with justification. But the ANC still has an enormous role to play,” he said.
Motsepe also used humour to downplay speculation about his presidential ambitions, saying, “I’ve never liked people who say we don’t want a president who’s got knock knees. Now when I look at my knees, they are knocked all the time — so that rules me out.”
He further dismissed rumours that he might consider contesting for the Fifa presidency, clarifying that his focus remains on his philanthropic work through the Motsepe Foundation.
Motsepe concluded by expressing confidence that, despite its flaws, the ANC remains integral to South Africa’s political stability and future development.
