Sexwale's niece says sorry to Zuma

Tokyo Sexwale's niece has apologised to President Jacob Zuma for condemning his behaviour on Facebook, after it was reported he fathered a child out of wedlock.

"I wish to apologise unequivocally for any offence I may have caused President Jacob Zuma and his family, based on my private conversation on Facebook," she said in statement.

"No disrespect toward my elders was intended."

Her comments on the social networking site referred to weekend reports that Zuma had fathered a child with Sonono Khoza, daughter of Orlando Pirates chairman, Irvin Khoza.

"While I acknowledge that Facebook is a public social network accessed by many people, my Facebook profile is private. One of my opportunistic acquaintances has taken it upon themselves to make a private conversation public in the mass media for political gain.

"I may be the niece of a sitting member of Cabinet, however I reserve my right as a private citizen to have personal views on current affairs. When those views are maliciously used to attempt to tarnish or embarrass public figures, it is unfortunate," she said.

Sexwale said on Facebook: "Why does our President display such stereotypical bad behaviour of a randy black womaniser?

"I feel ashamed."

Sexwale said the problem was not who Zuma married, it was the rampant "womanising" outside of marriage that "disgusted" her.

"Making babies like South Africa does not have a huge HIV Aids problem coupled with gender problems... How are the youth expected to behave?" she asked.

On Tuesday Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Zuma must apologise for fathering an illegitimate child and strive to set a better example.

Zille said Zuma's behaviour was at odds with the African National Congress's policies on HIV prevention.

The ruling party was wrong to say his reported extra-marital relationship was purely a private matter, she said.

"For this reason, the president ought to apologise and act to better embody the values he advocates for other South Africans."

The ANC on Monday rushed to Zuma's defence amid outrage over the affair, which Zille and other critics said would damage the fight against HIV/Aids in the country.

The party said it did not see a correlation between Zuma's personal relationships and the ANC's policies on HIV and Aids.

"There is nothing wrong that the president has done," said party spokesman Brian Mthembu.