South African Billionaire, Patrick Motsepe doesn’t seem to be receiving enough credit for his work across the African continent over the years. While many seem to have known this business tycoon only when he assumed office as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, it’s worth mentioning that he has been around for a very long time doing great things.
Besides the fact that the 62-year-old CAF president became the first African billionaire in 2008 through his mining exploits, the South African entrepreneur has always believed and worked towards the direction of a united Africa.
In March 2021, Motsepe coined his entrepreneurial and philanthropic activities with a new challenge, as he embarked on his journey as new CAF president, a soccer body he has only headlined for barely three years and his impact has been so loud to be ignored.
Motsepe, as president of CAF, has only been in charge of two African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competitions (2021 and 2023) in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, respectively. These two competitions have displayed exactly what his objective is during his tenure as president. Africa has since 2021, hosted not just successful tournaments, but some of the most luxurious ones in recent years, thanks to Motsepe’s big ambitions.
Mr. Motsepe should take credit for the recent successes with CAF which adds to his successes in the business world as well.
Away from soccer, his foundation,The Motsepe Foundation, has continued to advocate for peace and unity among other things. While in Ivory Coast during the last days of the competition which hit over two billion views globally, The Motsepe Foundation donated $500,000 to both the Christian and Muslim communities.
The foundation in the bid to promote religious peace between the Muslim and Christian community, donated $250,000 each to the Catholic church and the Muslim community. This gesture took place on February 2, 2024, and accounts for some of the endeavors by Motsepe to help foster peace and unity between African communities.
According Forbes, Motsepe’s networth stands at $2.5 billion. He has, since 2008, maintained his business prowess and political ambitions. We can label Mr. Motsepe as one of Africa’s visible uniting forces.
