Renewed push grows for Patrice Motsepe to enter ANC presidential race

A renewed push is building inside African National Congress circles for billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe to enter the party’s presidential race, reviving speculation that has followed him for months.

The latest wave of lobbying comes after Motsepe changed roles at African Rainbow Minerals, the mining group he founded, where he stepped down from executive duties and became non executive chairman. The shift has triggered fresh political talk in South Africa, with some party figures and supporters arguing that he could become a unifying candidate for the ANC.

Motsepe has long been mentioned in succession discussions because of his profile in business, sport and philanthropy, but he has not declared any intention to run. He has previously played down presidential speculation and said he does not have to enter politics.

The new momentum around his name reflects deeper anxiety inside the ANC as the party weighs its future leadership options. Senior members have been under pressure to identify figures who can broaden the party’s appeal, reassure business and middle class voters, and still command support inside the movement’s internal structures.

Motsepe’s supporters argue that he brings a rare combination of management experience, public visibility and access to global networks. They also point to his standing in football administration through his role at the Confederation of African Football, saying it has expanded his continental profile beyond South Africa.

Skeptics inside and outside the party see major obstacles. Motsepe is not a career party organizer, and ANC leadership contests are often shaped as much by branch level alliances and internal factions as by public popularity. A candidate with broad appeal in the media or business circles can still struggle to build the support needed in party structures.

His wealth is another factor that cuts both ways. Backers say it makes him less dependent on patronage politics and gives him credibility with investors. Critics say it could also deepen concerns among some members who are wary of corporate influence in party leadership battles.

The speculation has intensified at a politically sensitive moment, with the ANC still dealing with electoral pressure and internal competition in key provinces. That has made every sign around possible future candidates carry more weight than it might have in a calmer period.

Motsepe has not publicly changed his position. Still, the renewed campaign around him suggests his name remains one of the most politically powerful in South Africa, even while he stays outside formal electoral politics.