It has been claimed that T-shirts endorsing the possible presidential candidature of billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe in the African National Congress (ANC) have started making the rounds in the Gauteng province. The clothing, which bears the slogan “PM27 SAVUMELANA,” is seen as a precursor to the party’s elective conference in 2027 by many.
Wearing the acronym “PM27″—which stands for Motsepe 2027—and the Zulu and Xhosa term for “let it be accepted” or “allow it”—the shirts can be spotted all throughout Johannesburg and Tshwane. According to political watchers, the slogan seems to be crafted to unite supporters around a prospective political run.
Motsepe has not yet formally announced his candidature, although the apparel campaign has garnered attention. His prominent economic endeavours, charitable activity, and support for the ANC have led analysts to speculate that he could be a serious contender in the party’s internal elections.
A prominent mining mogul, Motsepe has traditionally avoided holding official political office, but he now serves as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Whenever his name came up for party leadership roles before, he stressed that getting too involved in politics could take attention away from his larger social accomplishments.
Branded T-shirts and similar products typically make an appearance in ANC politics before official campaigns even start, according to experts. In the months preceding the party’s elective conference, the leadership races might be swayed by mobilisation at the branch level and public supporter involvement. Since the African National Congress (ANC) lost its absolute majority in the 2024 elections and formed a Government of National Unity, speculation over who will replace Zuma as party leader has heated up.
Many people believe Motsepe will be an important figure in the next ANC leadership. As internal nominations and slates for the 2027 conference are established, analysts caution that it will only become evident if the “PM27 SAVUMELANA” T-shirts reflect true grassroots movement or are only a prelude to an official campaign.
As South Africans wait to discover who will take over the ANC, speculation about Motsepe’s candidature is keeping the public and members of the party on edge.
