A new campaign website, PM27.org.za, has gone live this week, openly promoting billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe as the ideal candidate to lead the African National Congress (ANC) and become South Africa’s next president.
The site, branded with the slogan “Savumelana” (Zulu for “Let’s Agree”), positions Motsepe as “the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader” to guide the ANC into a new era of integrity, economic growth, and national unity. It features pledges for supporters to back anti-corruption efforts, youth empowerment, and ethical governance, along with statistics highlighting South Africa’s challenges — including over R1.5 trillion lost to corruption and unemployment exceeding 32%.
“The PM27 Campaign champions Patrice Motsepe as the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa into a new era of integrity, growth, and unity,” the site states. It includes a direct quote from Motsepe: “Only in South Africa could you have a change in government without civil war. If there wasn’t the depth of love and caring among our people, this would not have happened.”
The quiet launch — without any official announcement from Motsepe or the ANC — has immediately sparked intense speculation and controversy. Motsepe, Ramaphosa’s brother-in-law and founder of African Rainbow Minerals, has repeatedly denied any interest in the ANC presidency ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has distanced the party from the initiative, describing it as operating outside official protocols and lacking Motsepe’s personal endorsement. Political analysts have called for concrete evidence of Motsepe’s suitability, questioning whether the mining magnate — who recently stepped down as executive chairman of his company and currently serves as CAF president — has the political experience to lead the governing party.
Supporters have already begun producing PM27 T-shirts and other materials in Gauteng, signalling growing grassroots momentum despite the lack of official backing. The campaign’s short-term goals include uniting ANC branches behind Motsepe ahead of the 2027 conference, while long-term aims focus on restoring public trust and driving job creation.
The development comes as the ANC grapples with declining support following its loss of an outright parliamentary majority in 2024 and ongoing internal factionalism. Motsepe, one of Africa’s richest individuals, has long been viewed as a politically connected figure and donor to multiple parties, but has never held elected office.
Neither Motsepe nor the ANC national leadership has issued any comment confirming or endorsing the website.