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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

CAF boss Motsepe rules out South Africa presidential bid

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • South African mining magnate Patrice Motsepe has ruled out a presidential bid, stating the country has enough capable leaders.
  • Motsepe, who heads the Confederation of African Football (CAF), also dismissed speculation about succeeding Gianni Infantino as FIFA chief.
  • The billionaire's current CAF term runs until 2029, amidst South Africa's ongoing political succession debate and pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South African mining magnate and Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has firmly shut down rumors linking him to a presidential run. Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, the 64-year-old billionaire stated, "South Africa does not need me to go into politics." He emphasized that numerous capable leaders already exist within the country.

South Africa does not need me to go into politics.

— Patrice MotsepeMotsepe speaking to reporters in Johannesburg about speculation linking him to the country's presidency.

Motsepe, who is also the brother-in-law of current President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been a frequent subject of speculation in South African media as a potential successor. Ramaphosa's second and final term concludes in 2029, a period marked by political maneuvering within the governing African National Congress (ANC) following its weakest electoral performance, which led to a coalition government. The president also faces ongoing scrutiny over a cash-heist scandal.

There are many very capable and good leaders in this country.

— Patrice MotsepeMotsepe's response when asked about potential presidential ambitions.

Beyond domestic politics, Motsepe also addressed international football leadership speculation. He explicitly stated he has "no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA," remaining focused on his CAF role, which extends until 2029. This comes as the debate over South Africa's leadership intensifies, with some delegates even wearing "PM27" T-shirts and a lobbying website emerging, referencing a potential 2027 presidential bid.

I have no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA. That doesn’t excite me.

— Patrice MotsepeMotsepe dismissing speculation about succeeding Gianni Infantino as FIFA chief.

Motsepe, founder of African Rainbow Minerals and Africa's eighth-richest person with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, has a significant business and sporting empire. He also owns the Mamelodi Sundowns football club. Despite his influence, he brushed off suggestions of political involvement, noting, "The only problem I have is I’m not part of any group."

The only problem I have is I’m not part of any group.

— Patrice MotsepeMotsepe explaining why he is not involved in political maneuvering.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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