ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has apologised to billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe over remarks he made about the mining magnate’s alleged political ambitions to lead the African National Congress (ANC).
“When I spoke about Patrice Motsepe, people said I was fighting with him… No, I’m not fighting with him,” Mbalula said.
“If I spoke badly, I withdraw those words, because Motsepe’s people fought with me, telling me to stop fighting with Motsepe. I’m not fighting with him. I was relaying the NEC’s decision, saying we must not speak about succession battles because we are in trouble. We must fight and win the elections and then we can speak about it.”
Motsepe, however, has repeatedly dismissed speculation about his political ambitions, stressing that he has no interest in becoming ANC president. Speaking at the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) annual fundraising dinner held at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on Friday, he addressed rumours suggesting he might replace President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader.
“Five years ago, the last time I had the honour of being with this important institution, the same question came up,” Motsepe said. “Are you, or will you at some stage, go into politics? And the answer I gave them is the same I gave a few weeks ago: I am not mad.”
Motsepe explained that his rejection of politics did not mean he disrespected public service. “And the issue was, are you saying that politics is for mad people? I said I am not mad,” he said jokingly.
He noted that his contribution to South Africa did not require him to hold political office. “I do not have to enter into politics to make a contribution. What South Africa needs now, more than anything, is for all of us to come together and work together and focus on those issues that keep us united.”
Describing himself as a “conservative” and loyal supporter of the ANC, which he called the “Mandela party,” Motsepe said he supports all democratic institutions and political parties in South Africa.
“This country has incredible people from whom we will choose the right leadership, including the right president,” he said. “And I will, in my own humble way and with my family, continue to make a contribution.”
Motsepe also poked fun at perceptions about his fitness to lead, saying: “I have never liked people who say we do not want a president who has knock knees. Now when I walk around and look at my knees, they are knocked all the time. So that rules me out.”
He added that he agreed with Mbalula’s earlier comment that running a political party was different from managing a football club. “You obviously have not heard what Fikile Mbalula said about football and politics, and I agree with him,” Motsepe remarked.
The billionaire concluded that his focus remains on business, philanthropy, and promoting unity across South Africa.
