Patrice Motsepe

Companies linked to Motsepe, including African Rainbow Minerals and Harmony Gold, made substantial disclosed donations to several South African parties across a broad ideological spectrum. Public data fuelled debate about the political influence of the very wealthy and Motsepe's family ties to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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Directly implicated

In August 2026, while UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF openly challenged Gianni Infantino's conduct following the failure of a private investment plan involving FIFA's commercial rights, the CAF chaired by Motsepe gave him unanimous support. Motsepe subsequently argued that Infantino's future should be decided in the 2027 election.

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Directly implicated

Pula Group and Pula Graphite brought a $195 million claim in Tanzania against Patrice Motsepe and several related companies, alleging use of confidential information obtained under an NDA relating to a graphite project. In April 2026, the Johannesburg High Court held, in particular, that ARC was not party to the NDA and could not be held contractually liable; Pula subsequently abandoned its appeal. In August 2026, the Tanzanian case was struck off the roll on a procedural issue involving, among other matters, the absence of parties deemed necessary, without a decision on the merits of the allegations.

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Accused

Following the AFCON 2025 final played in January 2026, CAF's Appeals Board decision to strip Senegal of the title and award it to Morocco triggered a major crisis of confidence. The Senegalese government called for an investigation into possible corruption at CAF, and critics alleged preferential treatment of Morocco, placing Motsepe, the organisation's president, at the centre of the governance crisis.

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Institutional responsibility

Under Motsepe's presidency, CAF opened an independent investigation in 2024 into alleged breaches of governance and audit rules within the secretariat headed by Véron Mosengo-Omba. Subsequent reports indicated that the Audit and Compliance Committee had recommended his provisional suspension without immediate effect, while internal critics linked his growing influence to Motsepe's frequent absence from day-to-day management. Mosengo-Omba ultimately left the position in March 2026 amid institutional crisis.

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At Davos, Motsepe told Donald Trump that "Africa" loved him, prompting criticism of his authority to speak for the continent and of the Trump administration's record towards Africa. Motsepe subsequently apologised.

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Personally implicated

Against the backdrop of Eskom's restructuring, critics and rumours suggested that Motsepe might benefit from asset sales or energy interests through his holdings and family proximity to President Ramaphosa. The issue became a public debate over conflicts of interest and access to power.

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Attribution

Accused