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| Tokyo Sexwale |
Tokyo Sexwale
served prison time with Nelson Mandela and became a tycoon and politician, but
none of that has boosted his attempt to become the first African to head FIFA.
He
failed to secure the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and
he may not even get South Africa's vote in Friday's election for the FIFA
president.
Sexwale
pronounced seh-wa-le is likely to see defeat as just a minor setback in his extraordinary
life as a survivor of South Africa's turbulent history.
Born in
Johannesburg's Soweto township, he became a radical student leader and earned
his nickname 'Tokyo' for his love of karate.
Sexwale
joined the Umkhonto weSizwe armed wing of the African National Congress and
underwent military training in Moscow in 1975.
On his
return to South Africa, he was convicted of terrorism and conspiracy to
overthrow the government, and sentenced to prison on Robben Island in 1977.
He
served 13 years of an 18-year jail term, during which time he helped run the
Makana Football Association, a league for political prisoners later given
honorary FIFA membership.
Prisoner
turns politician
After
his release, Sexwale enhanced his reputation by taking an active role trying to
calm deadly political violence that engulfed black townships.
When
Mandela was elected president in 1994, Sexwale was appointed premier of
Gauteng, the province which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Unlike
many former freedom fighters, he was at home with business leaders, and his
career took a new turn after he was out-manoeuvered in the plotting to succeed
Mandela.
Taking
a break from politics in 1998, Sexwale became one of South Africa's richest
black businessmen with interests in diamond mining, oil, property and the
media.
He had
little experience, but quick learning and charisma allowed him to reap the
benefits of the Black Economic Empowerment programme under which profitable
white-run businesses were forced to transfer assets to black partners in a bid
to transform the economy.
Sexwale
built a rapid and massive fortune that still attracts envy and controversy.
On the
football front, he was part of South Africa's 2010 World Cup bid team and on
the organising committee.
Organisers
have been accused of bribery and Sexwale gave testimony to a US grand jury in
December. After the tournament, he was appointed to FIFA's anti-racism and
anti-discrimination committee.
“I've
always fought against racism,” he said.
“I
wouldn't call European football institutionally racist because racism is a
direct act, but I think it is by omission.
“It is
time to bring in a person of colour.”
Sexwale
has repeatedly defended Sepp Blatter, fuelling critics who say that he is not
the man to eradicate corruption within FIFA.
Sexwale
suffered a political blow in 2012 when he lost an election for ANC party deputy
president. He was sacked as housing minister the following year.
His
private life has been as striking as his professional life.
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| Tokyo Sexwale and Wife Judy Sexwale |
He
married a white legal adviser he met on Robben Island, and the couple were
feted on the post-apartheid social scene.
But
they had an acrimonious separation two years ago.
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| Sexwale's private jets |
Their
divorce case included disputes over whether Sexwale owned private jets, a
luxury island off Mozambique and several vineyards and safari lodges.
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