Billionaire Patrice Motsepe is being talked about as a possible answer to South Africas long running mining decline, not because he has announced any political ambition, but because of his deep familiarity with the industry.
That view comes from mining analyst Peter Major of Modern Corporate Solutions, who says Motsepe is one of the few people who understands both the realities of running mines in South Africa and the policy constraints that have held the sector back.
Majors comments follow renewed speculation that Motsepe could be persuaded to seek the presidency of the African National Congress ahead of the partys elective conference in 2027. Motsepe has repeatedly denied any intention to run , but talk of a possible bid has grown louder in recent months.
