CAF president Patrice Motsepe has reportedly thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency of the African National Congress (ANC).
Despite his public declarations of disinterest, a campaign under the moniker ‘PM27 Savumelana’, referencing Motsepe’s initials and intended to have him lead the party at the 2027 elective conference, has visibly launched.
Reports from Sunday World indicate that the campaign is rapidly gaining traction with T-shirts emblazoned with the PM27 Savumelana slogan already in production and an ambitious distribution network planned for ANC members sympathetic to the initiative.
It is reported that images of production activities within a Johannesburg printing facility have gone viral, showing a print run of over 50,000 units.
While specific leadership figures within the campaign remain unconfirmed, insiders have disclosed that Bejani Chauke formerly an advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa and a key player in the CR17 campaign that vaulted Ramaphosa to the presidency may have a pivotal role in galvanising support for Motsepe’s ascendancy, as per reports by Sunday World.
The push for his candidacy raises eyebrows around his status as an ANC member in good standing, particularly following earlier claims that Motsepe’s alignments with the party may be tenuous.
Nevertheless, campaign representatives have reportedly substantiated his ANC membership at a Johannesburg branch, easing some queries regarding legitimacy.
Ziyakhala Ke Manje! Patrice Motsepe’s campaign for the ANC presidency has kicked off, with his Tshirts already being printed in Gauteng under the slogan PM27 SAVUMELANA. pic.twitter.com/tT0B9Q1J7G
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) January 18, 2026
This visible campaign operates amid mounting political tensions, with the dichotomy of Motsepe’s insistence on his not available position being starkly juxtaposed against the flow of branded merchandise and coordinated activities across both national and provincial levels.
The whirlwind surrounding Motsepe’s prospective candidacy has only intensified as he finds himself at the intersection of local ambitions and international expectations.
In October 2025, SABC reported Motsepe said being a president of a country like South Africa is a calling he’s not willing to accept, and earlier last year, rumours circulated in ANC circles that Motsepe could be persuaded to run for the ANC presidency.
Complicating matters further, Motsepe’s recent public engagements have added layers of scrutiny regarding his leadership capacities following accusations concerning CAF’s operations being unduly influenced by European interests.
During an intense press interaction, Motsepe dismissed allegations of European control over CAF as ‘absolute rubbish’ and ‘insulting,’ reiterating his commitment to advancing African interests.
CAF pres Dr Patrice Motsepe operates on different level—calm, strategic & shuts down noise with facts without shouting & being angry.Motsepe’s calm,”u’re speaking nonsense & rubbish” to that disrespect was masterclass. No drama,just undeniable authority.
That’s Taurus behavior👏 pic.twitter.com/3jpO7pwfju— 𝒴𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑜ℳ𝒶𝓃𝕏💛👆 (@YELL0MAN) January 18, 2026
‘When I became President, Member Associations have gone from receiving $150,000 to $400,000. I am confident results of what we are doing will speak for themselves,’ he stated defiantly, reaffirming his vision for CAF’s impact and independence.
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Picture: @Constitution_94 / X
