Motsepe Campaign Site Goes Live

The Common Sense has reported at length that Patrice Motsepe will contest the leadership should the path to victory be relatively straightforward. The Common Sense has also reported that Mr Motsepe is the most popular candidate in the minds of South African voters to succeed Mr Ramaphosa.

Mr Motsepe has not endorsed the site, and the ANC frowns on individuals announcing their candidacy without having first been nominated by party branches. There is no rule, however, prohibiting the launch of a campaign.

According to the newly launched website, which sports an address at Melrose Boulevard in Johannesburg, “The PM27 Campaign champions Patrice Motsepe as the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa into a new era of integrity, growth, and unity. Rooted in the spirit of ‘Savumelana’ (Let’s Agree), the campaign calls on all South Africans to rally behind a leader who embodies unity, progress, and ethical governance”.

The site sets out a fairly detailed campaign plan ranging from the “launch [of] provincial and local ‘Savumelana’ town halls” to “train[ing] and deploy[ing] campaign volunteers”, “organiz[e][ing] door-to-door outreach”, and “meet[ing] with influential ANC leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and business leaders to build broad-based support”.

The site goes on to argue that, “The PM27 Campaign was born from a collective desire to restore integrity, unity, and visionary leadership at the heart of South Africa’s democracy. In a time marked by division, distrust, and declining public confidence, PM27 stands as a movement to rally South Africans behind Patrice Motsepe—a leader whose credibility, business acumen, and commitment to ethical governance offer hope for true national renewal…PM27 is more than a campaign; it is a call to action for every citizen and ANC members to build a future defined by unity, progress, and opportunity. Our mission is to position Patrice Motsepe as the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the African National Congress and South Africa into a new era, one where integrity is the foundation and every voice is valued…Our vision is a South Africa where diversity is celebrated, corruption is eradicated, and prosperity is shared by all. Through respectful dialogue, inclusive engagement, and a shared commitment to ethical leadership, PM27 seeks to inspire a groundswell of support for real change”.

The campaign sets itself the short-term goal to, “unite ANC members and the broader public behind Patrice Motsepe’s candidacy for president, making him the clear and credible choice for ethical leadership…[and]...Galvanize mass support leading up to the ANC elective conference and general election”.

Its long-term goals are set out as to, “Restore public trust in the ANC and South African leadership by implementing transparent, accountable governance…Drive economic growth, job creation, and shared prosperity, with a special focus on youth and marginalized communities…Build a united nation where differences are respected and every voice contributes to the common good…Ensure integrity is the cornerstone of all public institutions, setting a new standard for leadership in South Africa”.