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Buffett.
The Soweto-born tycoon, worth an estimated US$2,7 billion, announced he would join the Giving Pledge, which challenges the world’s wealthiest to give at least 50 percent of their fortune to charity.
“The need and challenges are great,” Motsepe said in a statement, pledging to give away “at least half of the funds generated by our family”.
A close aide told AFP it was difficult to put a figure on the amount that would be donated, but it would be “half of all his wealth, both current and future. There’s no period. This will go on into perpetuity.”
The money, Motsepe said, would be used to help “poor and other disadvantaged and marginalised South Africans”.
“We hope that our Giving Pledge will encourage others in South Africa and other emerging economies to give and make the world a better place.”
The 51-year-old made his billions through black empowerment deals, designed to redress white economic dominance that stemed from apartheid laws.
He founded and owns mining company African Rainbow Minerals and is Africa’s eighth richest person according to Forbes magazine.
ARB earned US$390 million in the last six months of 2012, from its extensive gold, platinum, iron ore and coal operations in South Africa and copper interests in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He also owns Pretoria-based football club Mamelodi Sundowns.
The donation will go to the Motsepe Family Foundation, which he set up with his wife, Precious, in 1999.
The organisation works to improve education, agriculture and upliftment programmes.
The Motsepes are a high-profile couple in South Africa and are often spotted at A-list social events.
Motsepe also regularly attends fund-raising events by the ruling African National Congress.
A government minister was at yesterday’s announcement. Motsepe said the donation was the recognition of people’s help in his own life. “I was also a beneficiary of various people, black and white, in South Africa and in the US who educated, trained, mentored and inspired me.
“Economies that are growing and have ethical and accountable political, business and other leaders are better positioned and substantially more effective in dealing with poverty, joblessness, illiteracy and disease,” he said.
Motsepe thanked Buffett and Gates personally for their encouragement during separate meetings last year, which influenced his decision. – AFP.
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