Patrice Motsepe cannot save the ANC alone. However, he can lead a movement of self-reflection, bold reform, and grassroots engagement that empowers us all to contribute to the organisation’s renewal. Motsepe is uniquely positioned to catalyse the radical transformation and ethical restoration that the ANC and South Africa urgently require.
His record demonstrates that ethical leadership and deep social commitment can coexist with business acumen, embracing the philosophy of John Mbiti: “I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am.”
Motsepe’s vision, and that of the PM27 campaign, is about mobilising South Africans from all walks of life to reconnect with the ANC through active participation, from local branches to national structures. The campaign is dedicated to restoring the ANC in accordance with conference resolutions, inviting all to partake in its renewal.
At its core, PM27 seeks to re-establish the ANC as a proud liberation movement that resonates across society and all its sectors, uniting the nation behind one mission: a better life for all, as espoused in the Freedom Charter. This vision entails a firm commitment to ethical leadership, improved basic services, economic growth, job creation, especially for the youth, and advancement of both basic and post-school education and training.
This process of societal mobilisation will be undertaken strictly within ANC structures, adhering to the decorum and discipline of the ANC constitution and approved protocols, and with full recognition of the ANC leadership.
The campaign respects the authority and guidance of the organisation’s office bearers, ensuring renewal efforts align with ANC principles and governance frameworks. PM27 is dedicated to engaging with traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, professional and business associations. A key priority is to re-establish and strengthen relationships with the Tripartite Alliance – Cosatu, the SACP and Sanco – alongside civil society, to rebuild a broad front for social transformation and drive radical organisational renewal.
Motsepe’s leadership is rooted in liberation politics, shaped by a family deeply embedded in the struggle for freedom.
His father, Augustine Motsepe, was a teacher and activist, and Patrice has often said, “The struggle for justice is the struggle to uplift the poor, our freedom is incomplete until every South African can live with dignity.”
This conviction guides both his business and philanthropic work.
Unlike many in the business elite, Motsepe has consistently invested in uplifting South Africa’s poorest. The Motsepe Foundation is not merely a charitable vehicle, but a movement for structural change, transforming lives in education, rural development, health, and entrepreneurship across every province.
His impact is widely recognised. President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded him as “a man of action and a builder of bridges”. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba described him as “an example of servant leadership whose generosity is matched by his humility”. Internationally, Dr Mo Ibrahim stated, “Motsepe’s commitment to good governance and development is what Africa needs from its business leaders.”
Motsepe’s understanding of poverty is practical – he has engaged directly with communities, focusing on empowerment rather than dependency.
The ANC’s commitment to rigorous measures for electing ethical and accountable leaders is vital to its renewal, helping restore public trust and the party’s founding values. Motsepe embraces this challenge. As he said in his 2025 Freedom Day address, “We must confront corruption wherever it lives, even when it is uncomfortable. We must restore the party’s moral compass and reconnect with the spirit of service that built our democracy.”
Motsepe’s wealth is not a shield from scrutiny; it is a platform for demanding transparency and accountability.
The PM27 “Savumelana” (We Agreed) campaign ethos is not about top-down control, but about building consensus and revitalising the grassroots volunteerism that powered the ANC’s greatest victories. The campaign welcomes all South Africans back into participatory democracy within ANC structures.
We are committed to engaging with all South Africans, across racial and cultural lines, in a collaborative process to help shape and strengthen a shared national identity. South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity. With Motsepe at the helm and the people as the driving force, the ANC can rise again to serve South Africa with integrity, compassion, and courage.
- Mnisi is PM27 Media & PR head
