Businessman Patrice Motsepe not keen on ANC presidency position

Confederation of African football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has hinted that he might not be keen on running for the ANC presidency.

Motsepe was nominated by a branch based in Limpopo last month. The branch wanted Motsepe to go head-to-head with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

PATRICE MOTSEPE NOT KEEN

Motsepe said he would like to stay out of politics to focus on issues that unite South Africans.

“It’s important for people like myself, in particular, to keep focusing on the things that bring us together,” he told the SABC.

“Across political parties and across backgrounds from which we come. And keep away from politics, because if you participate in politics, you lose the focus. You lose the broader obligation,” he said.

The ANC’s 54th national conference will take place from December 16 to 20 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.

HOPING FOR ANC UNITY

The 60-year-old said the country needs hope and to see all South Africans coming together.

“I’m not just hopeful but confident that after the elections in Nasrec and in the new year there will be greater unity within the ANC. There will also be greater unity and engagements across all political parties for all South Africans to come together,” he said.

The Daily Maverick reported that a branch in Mandagshoek in Burgersfort, endorsed Motsepe’s name during a branch general meeting.

Branch chairperson Mabushe Makolana explained to the publication why Motsepe’s name was put forward.

“The ANC is in a serious crisis. We are not against Ramaphosa but all we are saying is to rescue the party will take a lot. This includes having someone credible with a clean reputation at the top.

“Motsepe has made a tremendous contribution to the country. He is a neutral figure, is not aligned with any faction and is trusted even outside our borders. That is the kind of leadership the ANC needs now,” said Makolana.