Full Name: Dr. Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe
Date of Birth: 28 January 1962
Nationality: South African
Titles:

• Founder & Chairman, African Rainbow Minerals
• President, Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 2021
• President, Mamelodi Sundowns FC since 2003
• Founder, Motsepe Foundation (1999)
• Founder, African Rainbow Capital (2016)

Early Life and Family Legacy

Son of a teacher and a businessman, Patrice Motsepe was born in Orlando, Soweto but grew up in Ga-Mmakau, near Pretoria, deeply influenced by his entrepreneurial father, Augustine Butana Chaane (ABC) Motsepe, a prominent businessman during apartheid. ABC Motsepe owned a general store popular with mineworkers and also operated a liquor distribution business—rare accomplishments at the time. His father was a teacher at Orlando High in Soweto, before venturing into business. He was a staunch supporter of Orlando Pirates.

Ga-Mmakau.

Beyond business, ABC Motsepe was a passionate football supporter and administrator. He played a key role in founding the ABC Motsepe League, which remains a cornerstone of grassroots football development in South Africa. This league was later named in his honor by the South African Football Association (SAFA), reflecting the family’s long-standing commitment to uplifting communities through sport.

Academic and Professional Journey

Patrice Motsepe earned a law degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and later became the first black partner at the prestigious Bowman Gilfillan law firm in Johannesburg in 1994. His legal career laid the groundwork for his entry into business.

Entrepreneurial Rise: African Rainbow Minerals

In 1997, Motsepe founded Future Mining, acquiring underperforming gold mine shafts from AngloGold under the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program. These mines were transformed into profitable ventures, leading to the establishment of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), which would become one of South Africa’s most successful mining companies. He became the first black billionaire in South Africa.

In 2016, Motsepe launched African Rainbow Capital, a financial services investment company focused on empowering black-owned enterprises and expanding economic inclusivity.

In 2016, Motsepe founded African Rainbow Capital (ARC) to diversify into financial services and technology. The company has shareholding in:

Sanlam

Tymebank

Rain

Football Leadership: Mamelodi Sundowns

In 2003, Patrice Motsepe acquired a controlling stake in Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, one of South Africa’s top teams. His purchase was both strategic and passionate. Motsepe, a longtime supporter of the club, saw football as a vehicle for community upliftment and continental pride.

With coach Pitso Mosimane.

Under his leadership:

• The club professionalized its operations and invested in top-tier players and technical staff.
• Mamelodi Sundowns won multiple Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles.
• In 2016, the club achieved continental glory by winning the CAF Champions League, becoming one of the most successful clubs in African football history.

Motsepe’s success with Sundowns demonstrated his vision for excellence, discipline, and strategic investment.

CAF Presidency: Challenges and Achievements

In March 2021, Patrice Motsepe became the first South African president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He took over from Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar during a time of turmoil and governance challenges within CAF.

Key Achievements as CAF President:

• Secured a record 17 sponsors for the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire—an increase of 60% from the previous tournament.
• Oversaw unprecedented broadcasting success, with matches viewed by a cumulative global audience of 1.4 billion.
• Projected TV and sponsorship revenues of USD 131.9 million for the 2024–25 cycle.
• Invested USD 41.1 million into Member Associations and Zonal Unions.
• Increased annual subventions to Member Associations (USD 400,000) and Zonal Unions (USD 750,000).
• Attracted six new global sponsors for women’s football and expanded TotalEnergies’ sponsorship to 12 CAF competitions.
• Enhanced transparency, governance, and investment in African football infrastructure.

Despite political complexities and internal resistance, Motsepe is credited with stabilizing and reforming CAF’s image on the international stage. In 2025, he was re-elected to the position of CAF President.

Philanthropy: The Motsepe Foundation

Founded in 1999 with his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the Motsepe Foundation is one of the most impactful philanthropic organizations in Africa. It focuses on:

• Education and skills development
• Sports and arts sponsorship
• Healthcare and social upliftment
• Rural development and entrepreneurship

In 2013, Motsepe became the first African to join the Giving Pledge, initiated by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, committing to donate half of his wealth to charitable causes.

Personal Life

Dr. Patrice Motsepe is married to Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, a medical doctor, fashion entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is the Chancellor of the University of Cape Town and co-founder of the Motsepe Foundation.

In 2021, following Patrice Motsepe’s appointment as CAF chairperson, his son, Tlhopie Motsepe, was appointed as Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

Patrice’s sister, Tshepo Motsepe, is married to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

His other sister, Bridget, is married to Jeff Radebe, a veteran ANC politician and former cabinet minister.

The Motsepes also maintain a close friendship with former Botswana President Ian Khama’s family, which dates back to when both their fathers were still at university.

Legacy and Impact

Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s journey from a small-town businessman’s son to a mining magnate, football mogul, and continental sports leader is a testament to visionary leadership and social responsibility. His legacy is not only one of personal wealth and power but also of uplifting communities through sport, business, and philanthropy.