One of South Africa’s richest men preparing to run for president

Political analyst Dr Frans Cronje said billionaire Patrice Motsepe is preparing to run for the ANC leadership and eventually the presidency of South Africa.

Cronje shared his views on The Common Sense podcast following the announcement that Motsepe has stepped down as the executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals.

On 16 February 2026, African Rainbow Minerals announced that Motsepe had retired from his position as executive chairman and as an employee of the company.

It explained that this was needed because of the Simplification Project linked to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE’s) listings requirements.

The JSE Simplification Project is a major regulatory overhaul to make the listing requirements more concise, easier to navigate, and internationally competitive.

The project also reinforces the separation of powers and increases the transparency of board appointments at listed companies.

A person may not hold the position of CEO and board chairman simultaneously. The chairman should also not be an executive director.

“Accordingly, in terms of the Listings Requirements, the chair of ARM must not be an executive director,” the company said in a statement.

African Rainbow Minerals said to ensure compliance with the JSE’s listing requirements, Motsepe has stepped down as executive chairman.

Motsepe will continue to serve as a director of the company and as the non-executive chairman of the board.

“I look forward to continuing to contribute to the global competitiveness of ARM in my new capacity as non-executive chairman,” Motsepe said.

He reiterated that he has undertaken his new role as non-executive chairman to ensure compliance with the JSE’s listings requirements.

Patrice Motsepe preparing to run for the ANC leadership

Cronje said there was more to the resignation than regulatory requirements, describing it as a strategic move to open the way for Motsepe to run for ANC President.

However, it is far from certain whether Patrice Motsepe would like to enter politics and enter the ANC leadership race.

Cronje said the decision to run depends on whether Motsepe’s team sees a clear route to a win and if the broader ANC family would unite behind him.

Motsepe is a prominent figure in South Africa who has built a large business empire and has strong credentials in global football circles.

Apart from starting African Rainbow Minerals, he also founded African Rainbow Capital and sits on several company boards.

Motsepe acquired ownership of the football club Mamelodi Sundowns in 2003, and he owns a 37% stake in the Blue Bulls.

On 12 March 2021, he was elected as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He has been praised for his work at the organisation.

These credentials, Cronje argued, give him a level of credibility that exceeds that of other potential candidates, such as Fikile Mbalula and Paul Mashatile.

Another possibility is the creation of a facsimile of the party, effectively taking back the ANC or creating a reformed version.

Cronje suggests that a leader like Motsepe could succeed by being more decisive than Cyril Ramaphosa.

Patrice Motsepe denies plans to run for president

Motsepe has consistently denied plans to run for ANC president, saying he does not have to be president to contribute to South Africa.

“A few years ago, the editors of the major newspapers asked me whether I was going to get involved in politics,” he said.

“My answer was always that I don’t have to get into politics to make a contribution to this country and to fulfil my duty to the people.”

Speaking at the results announcement of his company, African Rainbow Minerals, he dismissed rumours of betrayals and the like. “That is not correct,” he said.

“I will continue to, as I have in the past, work with all political parties across the board,” he said.

He also emphasised his commitment to his family foundation and his role as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Despite his denials, he remains included in public polls because supporters believe he could still be persuaded.

There have also been reports of various ANC branches nominating him to take over the party’s leadership.

Polling data from late 2025 indicates that Motsepe remains highly regarded among both general voters and ANC faithful.

He often scores higher in ‘positive regard’ than established political figures like Paul Mashatile or Fikile Mbalula.

There have also been reports of a group of ANC members printing T-shirts to support a bid to make Motsepe its next president.

On Sunday, 22 February 2026, the City Press reported that senior ANC members are hopeful that Motsepe could be persuaded to enter politics.

They believe that Motsepe is the best candidate to succeed his brother-in-law, Cyril Ramaphosa, as ANC leader.

However, there is speculation that Motsepe prefers running for FIFA President rather than becoming the next ANC leader.