South African billionaire drops Panyaza Lesufi hint for ANC top job [video]

Billionaire Patrice Motsepe may have just subtly thrown his weight behind Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for the ANC presidency, praising the provincial leader’s commitment as political speculation heats up ahead of the party’s 2027 national conference.

This unexpected move comes despite Motsepe previously insisting he is “not mad” enough to enter the political fray himself, having dismissed rumours that he might replace ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa. Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has continued to issue stern warnings against premature campaigning.

Motsepe: ANC president is ‘calling’

The influential businessman, who is Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law, recently clarified that he has no intention of seeking the party’s presidency.

However, speaking about leadership at a South African National Editors’ Forum last Friday, South Africa’s fourth-richest man specifically highlighted Lesufi, saying the Gauteng premier’s job is a “calling” that requires absolute conviction that everything done is “proper, it’s fair, it’s just, it’s ethical”.

Motsepe, who boasts a business empire spanning mining, finance and telecommunications, stressed that South Africa had “incredible people” who would ultimately choose the right leadership.

This veiled praise adds rocket fuel to the already simmering leadership battle for 2027, where Lesufi is considered a potential candidate alongside ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile and Mbalula himself. Mbalula, who serves to “enforce discipline” and cohesion in the party, recently apologised to Motsepe over previous remarks about his perceived political ambitions.

Despite this truce, the shadow of rivalry looms large. Reports suggest Mbalula, who is facing accusations of using his influential position to build support and weaken opponents, is actively targeting Lesufi in a “proxy battle” ahead of the 2027 conference.

Mbalula has repeatedly urged members to focus on rebuilding the party, declaring that leadership discussions will have their own time. Mashatile has echoed this sentiment, emphasising rebuilding over campaigning.

Motsepe’s high praise for Lesufi – calling the premier job a “calling” and emphasising ethical leadership – is a powerful intervention, especially given his proximity to Ramaphosa.

With the leadership race reportedly in full swing despite official warnings, the question remains whether the subtle nod from Ramaphosa’s powerful relative is enough to turbo-charge Lesufi’s campaign, potentially leaving rivals like Mbalula and Mashatile in the dust.