‘I withdraw my words’ – Fikile Mbalula apologises to Motsepe

by Staff Bona

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has apologised to billionaire Patrice Motsepe for previous remarks suggesting Patrice had ambitions to become ANC president.

Fikile clarified that he was only conveying the ANC NEC’s decision to avoid discussing succession battles before next year’s elections.

“When I spoke about Patrice Motsepe, people said I was fighting with him…No, I’m not fighting with him.

“If I spoke badly, I withdraw those words, because Patrice’s people fought with me telling me to stop fighting with Patrice,” Fikile said.

“I’m not fighting with him. I was relaying NEC’s decision saying we must not speak about succession battles because we are in trouble. We must fight and win the elections and then we can speak about it.”

Patrice, speaking at the South African National Editors Forum fundraising dinner in Johannesburg, once again dismissed speculation that he might replace President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader.

He reaffirmed that he has no political ambitions, joking that “I am not mad” to enter politics.

“I’ve never liked people who say that we don’t want a president who’s got kiss madolo [knock-knees]. Now, when I walk around, and I look at my knees, they are knocked all the time. So that rules me out,” Patrice jokingly said.

“I love people who say that South Africa does not need a rich man to be president. They are so correct. Absolutely correct. Being president of a country, it’s sacrosanct. Sacrosanct. It’s holy. I love challenges. But I also know the sort of challenges I shouldn’t waste my time with.

“This country has got incredible people from whom we will choose the right leadership, including the right president. And I will, in my own humble way and with my family, make a contribution.”

He added that he prefers to contribute to the country through his business and philanthropic work rather than through politics.

Humorously referencing Fikile’s comments comparing politics to football, Patrice said he agrees that leading the ANC is not like running a football club, and reiterated, “I’m not mad” — a line he has used before to reject political ambitions.

Patrice said he preferred contributing to South Africa through business and philanthropy rather than public office, urging unity and collective effort to address the country’s challenges.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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