CAF boss Patrice Motsepe steps down as African Rainbow Minerals Executive Chairman

South Africa’s future “looks very, very bright,” declared African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) founder Dr Patrice Motsepe on Friday, as the company closed a strong half-year financial reporting period.

Motsepe, who also serves as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), recently stepped down as executive chairperson of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed mining giant but will remain on the board in a non-executive role. He reaffirmed ARM’s commitment to fostering opportunities for all South Africans—black, white, coloured, and Indian.

The company reported a 10% increase in headline earnings to R1.6 billion and announced an interim dividend of R5 per share. Motsepe emphasized that ARM would continue its longstanding practice of donating to all political parties, maintaining relationships across the political spectrum. “We’re all South Africans,” he said. “Good political parties listen to all voters, and there’s value in engaging broadly.”

Speaking at the presentation, covered by Mining Weekly, Motsepe stressed ARM’s ongoing mission to build a future for every South African. “We must continue to be positive and optimistic. This country has incredible people, and I’ve never been more confident,” he said.

Motsepe cited the company’s social initiatives as a source of pride, highlighting that ARM’s Family Foundation has helped educate over 5,000 students. “We grew up in societies where credibility was earned among the poor, the marginalised, and the unemployed,” he said. “The joy we derive is in these relationships with vulnerable people.”

He also stressed the company’s obligation to deliver world-class performance for shareholders. “ARM must remain a world-class company. Investors should have confidence in ARM because we provide competitive, and in some cases superior, returns,” he said, noting that the company employs a diverse workforce drawn from across South Africa.

ARM’s financial position remains strong. The company ended the half-year with net cash of R8.464 billion, up from R6.609 billion a year earlier. Basic earnings surged 69% to R2.353 billion, or R12.20 per share, while revenue rose 32% to R8.399 billion. Safety milestones were also highlighted, with Two Rivers platinum mine recording three million fatality-free shifts and the ARM Ferrous division achieving over one million fatality-free shifts.

Motsepe concluded with a message of unity and purpose. “As a company, we have a huge obligation to all stakeholders, the communities where we live, and the country as a whole,” he said, underscoring ARM’s long-term vision of inclusive growth.