Fikile Mbalula says sorry to Patrice Motsepe over ANC presidency remarks

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has apologised to Patrice Motsepe over remarks he made in the past about the billionaire’s possible political ambitions for the presidency of the African National Congress.

“When I spoke about Patrice Motsepe, people said I was fighting with him…No, I’m not fighting with him,” Mbalula said.

“If I spoke badly, I withdraw those words, because Motsepe’s people fought with me telling me to stop fighting with Motsepe.

“I’m not fighting with him. I was relaying NEC’s decision saying we must not speak about succession battles because we are in trouble. We must fight and win the elections and then we can speak about it.”

Meanwhile, Motsepe has once again put to rest speculation about his political ambitions, making it clear he has no intention of seeking the presidency of the ANC.

Speaking at the South African National Editors Forum annual fundraising dinner at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on Friday, Motsepe addressed rumours that he might replace President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader.

The event gave the mining billionaire an opportunity to publicly clarify his stance on politics and leadership.

Speculation had gained traction in 2022 when an ANC branch in Maandagshoek, Limpopo, nominated Motsepe to contest the ANC presidency.

Motsepe, who is also President Cyril Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law, dismissed the idea.

“Five years ago, the last time I had the honour of being with this important institution, the same question came up,” Motsepe said.

“Are you, or will you at some stage, go into politics? And the answer I gave them is the same I gave a few weeks ago: I am not mad.”

He elaborated that his rejection of politics did not mean he looked down on public service.

“And the issue was, are you saying that politics is for mad people? I said I am not mad,” he added with a smile.

Motsepe said his contribution to the country did not require him to hold public office.

“I do not have to enter into politics to make a contribution. What South Africa needs now, more than anything, is for all of us to come together and work together and focus on those issues that keep us united.”

He described himself as “conservative” and a loyal supporter of the ANC, which he referred to as the “Mandela party”, but said he was fully supportive of all democratic institutions and parties in South Africa.

“This country has incredible people from whom we will choose the right leadership, including the right president,” Motsepe said.

“And I will, in my own humble way and with my family, continue to make a contribution.”

Addressing perceptions about his wealth and fitness to lead, Motsepe made light of the matter.

“I have never liked people who say we do not want a president who has knock knees,” he joked. “Now when I walk around and look at my knees, they are knocked all the time. So that rules me out.”

He also said he agreed with Mbalula, who once said that leading a political party was very different from running a football club.

“You obviously have not heard what Fikile Mbalula said about football and politics, and I agree with him,” Motsepe said.

He reiterated that his focus remains on business, philanthropy and helping build a united South Africa.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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