The SA Football Association (SAFA) lauded the appointment of Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale to FIFA's Media Committee on Tuesday, saying the move epitomised and acknowledged the vital role he has played in promoting the world's favourite sport.
The Minister was, until recently, a member of the FIFA Fair Play Committee, which among other things fought against racism and discrimination in football. It was in this role that Sexwale played a critical role in the campaign to show racism the “red card”.
He is also a former a member of the FIFA Development Committee.
“This is yet another vote of confidence for the role South Africans are playing in promoting the world's number one sport. It is due recognition for the role the Minister has played in the past, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the effort he continues to put into the Beautiful Game.
“He has made South Africa proud and we are really happy for him,” said SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani from Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, where he is doing duty as a member of CAF's AFCON organising committee.
Sexwale left a lasting legacy as a champion of anti-racism in the sport when he spoke up for FIFA president Sepp Blatter who was criticised for saying “there was no racism in the field of play”.
South Africa expected Sexwale to play an equally important role in his new role working with the media, added Nematandani. - Sapa