Billionaire Patrice Motsepe Steps Down as ARM Executive Chairman, Signals New Era for Mining Giant

Patrice Motsepe, the founder and long-standing figurehead of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), has officially stepped down as Executive Chairman, effective Monday, 16 February 2026. While retiring from an executive and employee role, the South African billionaire will continue to play a central part in the company’s leadership as Non-Executive Chairman.

Motsepe’s transition coincides with the JSE Simplification Project, which introduces updated Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing rules that prevent a chairperson of a listed company from simultaneously serving as an executive director.

Strategic Alignment: Motsepe highlighted that the change ensures ARM remains fully compliant with modern governance standards.

Ongoing Commitment: Despite the shift, he reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining ARM’s global competitiveness and supporting the company’s adherence to the new JSE Listings Requirements.

As part of this leadership evolution, ARM has strengthened its senior management team to ensure smooth operational continuity:

• New COO: Jacob van der Bijl assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective 16 February 2026. Motsepe praised Van der Bijl as a “world-class mining engineer” with a long-standing record of service to the company.

• Independent Oversight: David Noko will continue as Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, safeguarding a balanced board structure.

• Core Mission: Motsepe reiterated that ARM’s priority remains delivering sustainable value to shareholders while positively impacting all stakeholders.

Patrice Motsepe is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential business figures and South Africa’s only Black dollar billionaire. His investment portfolio spans multiple sectors:

• Financial Services & Technology: Significant holdings in Sanlam and ARC, the parent company of TymeBank.

• Sports & Culture: Owner of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and serving President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

• Philanthropy & Influence: Major donor to the ANC and brother-in-law to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

With President Ramaphosa’s final term concluding in 2029, Motsepe’s departure from ARM’s executive role has sparked renewed speculation about a possible future in politics.