Patrice Motsepe

Born: 28 January 1962, South Africa Nationality: South African Current Roles:

• President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) (2021–present, re-elected March 2025)

• Founder & Executive Chairman, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)

• Non-Executive Chairman, Harmony Gold

• Deputy Chairman, Sanlam

• Board of Trustees member, World Economic Forum

Net Worth (2024–2025): Estimated between US$2.7–2.9 billion, ranked Africa’s 9th-richest man and South Africa’s 3rd-richest.

Early Life & Education

• Born to Kgosi Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe, chief of the Mmakau branch of the Tswana people.

• Learned business principles from his father’s Spaza shop, frequented by mine workers.

• University of Swaziland: Bachelor of Arts.

• University of the Witwatersrand: Law degree, specializing in mining and business law.

Career Highlights

Law & Mining

• 1994: First black partner at Bowman Gilfillan law firm.

• Founded Future Mining, pioneering profit-sharing remuneration for mine workers.

• 1997: Purchased marginal gold mines from AngloGold for $7.7 million, forming the foundation of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM).

• Expanded into platinum, ferrous metals, and base metals.

Corporate Leadership

• Non-executive director of Absa Group and Sanlam since 2004.

• Founder of Ubuntu-Botho Investments (UBI) (2003), later creating African Rainbow Capital (ARC).

• ARC investments include TymeBank, Rain Telecom, Afrimat, BKB, Val de Vie Estate, Alexander Forbes, and more.

Renewable Energy

• 2024: Invested in GoSolr, a solar energy rental company.

• Pledged 10 billion Rands (~$537 million) to expand capacity from 70 MW to 500 MW over four years.

Sports Leadership

• Mamelodi Sundowns F.C.:

  • Acquired majority stake in 2003, full ownership in 2004.

  • Club has dominated South African football, winning the Premiership every season since 2017–18.

• Blue Bulls Rugby Co.: Acquired 37% stake in 2019.

• CAF Presidency:

  • Elected in March 2021, re-elected in March 2025.

  • His son Thlopie Motsepe became chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns after his CAF election.

Advocacy & Recognition

• Interim chairman of the Black Business Council (2011).

• Founding member and former president of Business Unity SA (BUSA).

• Awards & Honors:

  • South Africa’s Best Entrepreneur Award (2002).

  • Forbes “100 Greatest Living Business Minds” (2017).

  • African CEO of the Year (various recognitions).

  • Ranked among 100 Most Influential Africans (2019 & 2020).

Controversies

• 2020 Davos Statement: Told Donald Trump “Africa loves him,” later apologized for speaking beyond his mandate.

• CAF Disciplinary Ruling (April 2025): Mamelodi Sundowns fined $100,000 after fan clashes in CAF Champions League quarterfinal against Esperance.

Personal Life

• Married to Precious Moloi-Motsepe, physician, philanthropist, and Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (2019).

• Three children.

• Brother of Tshepo Motsepe and Bridgette Radebe; brother-in-law of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Jeff Radebe.

Quick Facts

In summary: Patrice Motsepe embodies the intersection of business, sports, and philanthropy in Africa. He transformed marginal mines into a billion-dollar empire, built a dominant football club, and now leads CAF while investing in renewable energy to address South Africa’s power challenges.