War will be declared if the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) excludes South African gold medallist Caster Semenya because she is a hermaphrodite, Sport and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile said on Friday.

It would be unjust to exclude Semenya from competing as a woman, Stofile said at a media briefing after it was widely reported that a leaked IAAF gender test result showed that Semenya was a hermaphrodite.

"I think it would be the third world war. We will go to the highest levels in contesting such a decision. I think it would be totally unfair and totally unjust."

Stofile said the department was consulting with its lawyers regarding the human rights violations against Semenya.

"The ministry feels let down by the way this matter is being handled by those with devious vested interest, especially after being promised a meeting with the IAAF leadership.

"No one doubts her gender anymore. Now the issue of the percentages of her gender; this is unethical and disgusting."

Stofile reiterated that Semenya was a girl even if reports were accurate that she was a hermaphrodite.

"They indicate that she is a hermaphrodite. For me that means nothing. The issue here is not whether she is a hermaphrodite or not.

"Where is the science that says they [hermaphrodites] have an advantage?" Stofile asked.