MINING billionaire and Africa football boss Dr Patrice Motsepe has definitively ruled out any aspirations to become ANC president or enter politics, telling attendees at the South African National Editors’ Forum annual gala dinner on Friday that the country does not need a rich man as president.
“Being president of a country, it’s sacrosanct. It’s holy,” Motsepe said in his keynote address at the Houghton Hotel, dismissing persistent speculation about his political future.
The billionaire told guests he would contribute to South Africa’s development through other means. “I don’t have to enter into politics to make a contribution. What South Africa needs now is for all of us to come together and to work together and focus on those issues that keep us together.”
The fundraiser brought together leaders from journalism, business, labour, government and civil society to support media independence amid growing threats to press freedom.
SANEF chairperson Makhudu Sefara warned that journalists face increasing dangers globally, citing silenced voices in conflict zones including Gaza. “Journalism is not a crime,” he said.
Sefara highlighted challenges facing South African media, including the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation. “This is why our delivery of credible, fact-checked news has never been more important,” he said.
He also called for fair compensation for journalism content used to train artificial intelligence systems, referencing the M20 Declaration.
Platinum sponsor Absa emphasised the economic importance of media freedom. Christine Wu, interim co-chief executive of personal and private banking at Absa, said credible reporting was essential for market stability.
“When credible reporting is under threat, markets become volatile, confidence declines, and customers are left uncertain about who and what to believe,” Wu said.
Unisa vice chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula, representing gold sponsor Unisa, called for collaboration between the private sector and academia to research AI’s impact on journalism.
In his address, Motsepe identified inequality as one of the biggest threats to South Africa’s future, arguing that sustainable growth must be internally driven rather than reliant on foreign aid.
“We will never grow Africa’s economy based on donations and aid,” he said, advocating for both private sector growth and a developmental state to support marginalised communities.
The event was supported by sponsors including Absa, Unisa, FNB, Hollard, ACSA, Fedusa, TikTok, African Bank, News24, Nedbank, MultiChoice, Telkom, Discovery, Simodra + Rupert Candy, and Shoprite.
Funds raised will support SANEF’s work training journalists, fighting censorship, ensuring media access to courts, and campaigning for journalist safety across the continent.
