Patrice Motsepe, the South African mining billionaire and African football boss, says he has no plans to enter politics.
The 64-year-old told reporters in Johannesburg on Wednesday that South Africa does not need him to become a politician.
“There are many very capable and good leaders in this country,” he said.
Motsepe is the brother-in-law of President Cyril Ramaphosa. He has often been named in South African media as a possible future president. Ramaphosa’s second and final term ends in 2029.
No interest in FIFA top job either
Motsepe also shut down talk that he might run for FIFA president. Current FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s future has sparked speculation about possible successors.
“I have no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA. That doesn’t excite me,” Motsepe said.
He plans to stay on as head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a role he holds until 2029.
Succession race heats up in ANC
Talk of who will lead South Africa next has grown louder inside the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Ramaphosa is under pressure. His party suffered its worst election result last year, forcing it into a coalition government.
He also faces fresh scrutiny over a scandal involving $4 million stolen from his private farm. The ANC stopped impeachment moves over the case in 2022. But South Africa’s top court revived the process in May.
Motsepe distances himself from the race
Motsepe pushed back on suggestions he could be pulled into the contest to succeed Ramaphosa.
“The only problem I have is I’m not part of any group,” he said.
He added that this independence sometimes causes friction. “Some of my friends say things which are not flattering, because somebody said to them that somebody might persuade me to change my view.”
In December, Motsepe attended an ANC council meeting. Some delegates there wore T-shirts reading “PM27”, a hint at a possible 2027 presidential run. A website using the same name has also appeared online.
Africa’s eighth richest man
Motsepe founded and owns African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company. Forbes ranks him as Africa’s eighth richest person, with a fortune of $3.5 billion.
In 2012, he became the first Black South African to make the Forbes billionaire list.
He also owns Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning CAF Champions League winners.