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Patrice Motsepe, Africa’s first Black billionaire and president of the Confedération Africaine de Football (CAF), has made a donation of $500,000 on behalf of the Motsepe Foundation to both the Catholic Church and the Muslim Faith in Cote d’Ivoire.
Motsepe, currently in Cote d’Ivoire, met with the Cardinal of the Cote d’Ivoire Catholic Church, presenting a generous donation of $250,000. Additionally, he engaged with the President of the Superior Council of Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs of Ivory Coast, donating an equal amount to support the Muslim Faith in the region.
In a statement, Motsepe expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to the Catholic Church and the Muslim Faith for the crucial religious and spiritual work that they are doing amongst our people in Ivory Coast and on the African Continent and globally.”
“We are committed to working together with them and all Religious and Faith Based Organisations in Africa and worldwide, and contribute to uniting all people from different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds,” he added.
Motsepe’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy
Motsepe, who attained the status of Africa’s first Black billionaire in 2008 through his success in the mining industry, has become a distinguished philanthropist dedicated to creating a well-rounded society.
His generous donations align with his values, exemplified by his resolve of the pay dispute for South Africa’s Women’s World Cup team eight months ago, where he contributed $320,000 through the Motsepe Foundation.
Motsepe’s philanthropic impact: Transformative giving in South Africa
Motsepe’s philanthropic endeavors are not new. In February 2023, he donated R30 million ($1.64 million) through The Motsepe Foundation to the Student Representative Council (SRC) of 26 universities in South Africa, addressing historical debts and sparking positive reactions among students hopeful for financial relief.
The Motsepe family, having joined the Giving Pledge in 2013, emphasizes the African concept of “Ubuntu” – caring for and giving to one’s neighbor. In 2022, Motsepe made similar donations to the Catholic Church and Muslim Faith in Cameroon during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
