Sexwale dodges politics

Tokyo Sexwale lightheartedly dodged questions about his speculated presidential plans on Friday.

He was equally reticent about his role in the ANC's recent national disciplinary committee (NDC) hearing that led to the suspension of ANC Youth League leaders.

Faced by local and international media at a news briefing on Fifa president Sepp Blatter's travails, Sexwale resorted to quips on some touchy topics.

"What has Mr Blatter done that you are all so excited about, or is [it] the South African NDC?"

The human settlements minister added: "I am not running for president," adding after a theatrical pause, "...of Fifa."

The Mail & Guardian ran an article on his supposed presidential ambitions in its Friday edition.

Later, during question time, one reporter seemed to be leaning towards a follow-up question on his reported ANC presidential ambitions when Sexwale interjected with laughter: "No, no, don't ask the other one."

"I am here as a member of the Fifa Fair Play [committee] and as [a member of] the development committee... so let's pretend I am in Zurich," he said.

The briefing was about remarks by Blatter in a football race row.

Sexwale became involved in the Blatter controversy, for which Blatter has since apologised, when Fifa posted a picture of them alongside an anti-racism statement.

Sexwale testified for ANCYL leader Julius Malema at the recent disciplinary hearing.

Conventional speculation is that this could have dented the odds of him becoming an ANC presidential candidate in the near future.