Patrice Motsepe

Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe is one of South Africa's most successful businessmen, a mining billionaire, philanthropist and football administrator who has built an extraordinary career spanning business, sport and social development.

Born on 28 January 1962 in Orlando West, Soweto, Motsepe grew up in a family that combined education, business and traditional leadership. His father, Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe, was a teacher and businessman who ran a spaza shop that was popular with mine workers. It was through his father's business that Patrice was exposed to entrepreneurship and the mining industry from a young age.

From law to mining

Motsepe studied at the University of Swaziland, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, before completing his law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He specialised in mining and business law.

In 1994, he joined leading law firm Bowman Gilfillan, becoming the firm's first Black partner. But Motsepe soon realised that the mining industry offered an opportunity to build his own business.

He founded Future Mining in 1994, a contract mining company that grew rapidly. In 1997, he established ARMgold, buying low-producing mine shafts and turning them into profitable operations. ARMgold later merged with Avmin and Harmony, helping create African Rainbow Minerals (ARM).

ARM subsequently became one of South Africa's major diversified mining groups, with interests across commodities including iron ore, manganese, platinum, copper and coal.

Becoming a billionaire

Motsepe's mining empire made him one of the country's wealthiest people. In 2008, Forbes recognised him as the first Black African to become a billionaire on its list of billionaires.

He later expanded beyond mining, founding African Rainbow Capital in 2016, an investment company focused on businesses across Africa. He has also held senior positions in major South African companies, including Harmony Gold and Sanlam.

Football and Mamelodi Sundowns

Motsepe's name is equally well known in South African football.

He became involved with Mamelodi Sundowns in the early 2000s and eventually became the club's owner and president. Under his ownership, Sundowns developed into one of Africa's dominant football clubs.

The club won the 2016 CAF Champions League, becoming only the second South African club to win Africa's premier club competition.

Motsepe later handed the presidency of Sundowns to his son Tlhopie Motsepe, while continuing to be closely associated with the club.

President of African football

Motsepe reached another major milestone in March 2021, when he was elected president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

He became the first South African to lead the continent's football governing body and succeeded Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar. CAF continues to list him as its president.

As CAF president, Motsepe has focused heavily on developing African football, improving competitions and increasing the financial rewards available to African clubs and national teams.

In 2026, he has also become an influential voice in the debate over the future leadership of FIFA. Motsepe has backed the electoral process ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, saying FIFA's 211 member associations should ultimately decide whether Gianni Infantino remains president.

Philanthropy

Away from business and football, Motsepe and his wife, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, established the Motsepe Foundation in 1999.

The foundation supports initiatives involving education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, sport and social development.

Motsepe has also pledged significant portions of his wealth towards charitable causes, making philanthropy an important part of his public profile.

Family and influence

Motsepe is married to Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, a medical doctor, businesswoman and philanthropist. They have three children.

His family is also closely connected to some of South Africa's most influential political and business figures. His sister Dr Tshepo Motsepe is married to President Cyril Ramaphosa, while his sister Bridgette Radebe is a prominent businesswoman.

Patrice Motsepe — quick facts

• Full name: Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe
• Born: 28 January 1962
• Birthplace: Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg
• Nationality: South African
• Profession: Businessman, lawyer, investor, philanthropist and football administrator
• Education: University of Swaziland; University of the Witwatersrand
• Major company: African Rainbow Minerals
• Investment company: African Rainbow Capital
• Football club: Mamelodi Sundowns
• CAF president: Since 2021
• Wife: Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
• Children: Three
• Major milestone: First Black African to become a billionaire on the Forbes billionaires list

From working in his father's spaza shop in Soweto to building a mining empire, owning one of Africa's biggest football clubs and becoming president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe's career is one of the most remarkable South African business success stories.