Tokyo Sexwale: A Man of Commitment

This is the third installment of minority contributions to auto racing. Tokyo Sexwale’s commitment to his country and to the A1 GP may spread to the United States.


This is the third installment of minority contributions to auto racing. The owners and influential people in motorsports amassed their wealth in other ventures. Racing interest generally starts as a hobby. Tokyo Sexwale’s commitment to his country and to the A1 GP may spread to the United States. Some race team owners own businesses associated with the auto industry while others use money attained in fields not associated with racing.

Tokyo Sexwale’s interest in auto racing represents a larger meaning to a nation. Roger Penske, Rick Hendrick, nor any other team owners in motorsport have a background as impressive and controversial as Sexwale’s. Tokyo Sexwale is a South African businessman who has many interests outside of motorsport. Currently, he is the seat holder, which is equivalent to team president, for the South African A1 GP team. He is also on the South African committee to host the 2010 soccer World Cup.

The A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport pits country versus country in a worldwide competition. These races are contested on some of the world’s most famous racecourses. Africa played host to Formula 1 races in the past but was canceled due to apartheid. Ironically, Sexwale’s anti- apartheid stance is now bringing this form of racing back to South Africa.

Sexwale was imprisoned and served 13 years for suspicion of terrorism and conspiracy to overthrow the apartheid government alongside Nelson Mandela. He attained a degree in business while in prison. Along with the largest risk management and insurance broker, AON, Sexwale has taken a stance of economic patriotism in Africa. Patriotism fuels the A1 GP and its popularity. Currently, South Africa is second in the championship.

Part of Sexwale’s commitment to A1 GP stems from his pursuit of economic prosperity and democracy in South Africa. Tokyo Sexwale wants to see the training of a development A1 GP team, including drivers, pit crew, and technical support. A development driver for Team South Africa, Stephen Simpson, has competed in the Indy Pro Series.