WATCH | ‘I love challenges, but not that one’ – Billionaire Motsepe rejects presidency talk

Cape Town – Business magnate Patrice Motsepe has dismissed long-standing rumours that he plans to replace his brother-in-law, President Cyril Ramaphosa, as ANC leader.

Speaking at the SANEF Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner on Saturday, Motsepe said he has no political ambitions, despite past calls from some ANC branches — including one in Limpopo — to nominate him for the party’s presidency.

Motsepe reaffirmed his loyalty to the “Mandela party” (ANC) but stressed that South Africa doesn’t need a wealthy man to be president, saying the role is “sacrosanct.”

“I’ve never liked people who say that we don’t want a president who’s got kiss madoda [knock-knees]. Now, when I walk around, and I look at my knees, they are knocked all the time. So that rules me out,” Motsepe jokingly said.

WATCH | Billionaire mining magnate Dr Patrice Motsepe says being a president of a country like South Africa is a calling he’s not willing to accept. Early this year, rumours circulated in ANC circles that Motsepe could be persuaded to run for the ANC presidency. pic.twitter.com/2drT8e8vds

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 18, 2025

“I love people who say that South Africa does not need a rich man to be president. They are so correct. Absolutely correct. Being president of a country, it’s sacrosanct. Sacrosanct. It’s holy. I love challenges. But I also know the sort of challenges I shouldn’t waste my time with.

“This country has got incredible people from whom we will choose the right leadership, including the right president. And I will, in my own humble way and with my family, make a contribution.”

He added that he prefers to contribute to the country through his business and philanthropic work rather than through politics.

Humorously referencing Fikile Mbalula’s comments comparing politics to football, Motsepe said he agrees that leading the ANC is not like running a football club, and reiterated, “I’m not mad” — a line he has used before to reject political ambitions.

He urged South Africans to unite and work together to address the country’s challenges, saying that collective effort, not politics, is what the nation needs most.