WINNIE Madikizela-Mandela is preparing to launch a bid for half of former president Nelson Mandela’s estate and will interdict executors from disposing any movable property from the Qunu home.
Although it is yet unclear when she will file the papers, if successful Madikizela-Mandela will receive more than R20-million from Mandela’s estate which was valued at R45-million and disbursed to all his beneficiaries.
In court papers lodged earlier this week, she said: “My attorneys are further preparing papers for the launch of my half-share claim against the estate as that was never finalised during the divorce proceedings”.
According to the court documents, Madikizela-Mandela alleged a court had only granted the dissolution of the marriage between her and Mandela and no settlement was ever discussed.
This was further attested to by Mandela’s divorce attorney at the time, Ismail Ayob.
Madikizela-Mandela said she would launch an urgent application to interdict the sale of any property at the Qunu house.
“It has come to my attention that the executors are disposing of the cattle and other movable properties at Qunu.
“This is unlawful in view of the claims that I have brought to the attention of the executors. Investigations are being conducted to verify these allegations.
“Should the allegations prove true, an urgent application shall be launched for the interdict against the sale of the property at Qunu because such property belongs to my house and my family or at worst the subjects of a legal dispute,” she wrote.
In an attempt to explain her actions, Madikizela-Mandela said the case brought before court was not an attempt to enrich herself but to “assert constitutional rights of women in South Africa, which I personally struggled and suffered for”.
She said she had “no narrow, personal interest in the matter other than to ensure that justice is done to me, my children and the broader family”.
Her attorney, Mvuzo Notyesi, said: “The Qunu home will remain a Madiba household. It can never be given to the children of another wife customarily. If the property was given to her in the first place, there wouldn’t be a court challenge.
“The challenge is because the property was given to other persons and unidentified members of the Mandela family.”
Analyst Dr Somadoda Fikeni compared the court challenge to a soap opera.
“This case demonstrates the complexity beyond comprehension of situations of serial marriages where you have to deal with both modernity and tradition,” he said.
“The fact that this is happening to a world-renowned family, it will become more like a drama that will turn to a soapie that will not end soon.”
Fikeni said it was interesting that the case came at a time when the AbaThembu royal family was experiencing problems.
He was referring to efforts by a faction of the royal family to have King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo dethroned.
“The fragmentation within the family shows as each faction of the family are positioning themselves on different sides. Even the interpretation of customary law is different,” he said.
Meanwhile, Madikizela-Mandela’s lawyers are preparing another court application to interdict and possibly pursue civil claims against some commentators who have insulted her in the media.
The list includes AbaThembu Royal Family spokesman Daludumo Mtirara, who called Madikizela-Mandela’s court application opportunistic and greedy.
Notyesi said: “This is a court matter where the respondents have been given an opportunity to answer. We are taking exception at insults hurled at Mrs Mandela over this matter.”
He said civil claims will be pursued.
Winnie bid for Madiba estate
Although it is yet unclear when she will file the papers, if successful Madikizela-Mandela will receive more than R20-million from Mandela’s estate which was valued at R45-million and disbursed to all his beneficiaries.
In court papers lodged earlier this week, she said: “My attorneys are further preparing papers for the launch of my half-share claim against the estate as that was never finalised during the divorce proceedings”.
According to the court documents, Madikizela-Mandela alleged a court had only granted the dissolution of the marriage between her and Mandela and no settlement was ever discussed.
This was further attested to by Mandela’s divorce attorney at the time, Ismail Ayob.
Madikizela-Mandela said she would launch an urgent application to interdict the sale of any property at the Qunu house.
“It has come to my attention that the executors are disposing of the cattle and other movable properties at Qunu.
“This is unlawful in view of the claims that I have brought to the attention of the executors. Investigations are being conducted to verify these allegations.
“Should the allegations prove true, an urgent application shall be launched for the interdict against the sale of the property at Qunu because such property belongs to my house and my family or at worst the subjects of a legal dispute,” she wrote.
In an attempt to explain her actions, Madikizela-Mandela said the case brought before court was not an attempt to enrich herself but to “assert constitutional rights of women in South Africa, which I personally struggled and suffered for”.
She said she had “no narrow, personal interest in the matter other than to ensure that justice is done to me, my children and the broader family”.
Her attorney, Mvuzo Notyesi, said: “The Qunu home will remain a Madiba household. It can never be given to the children of another wife customarily. If the property was given to her in the first place, there wouldn’t be a court challenge.
“The challenge is because the property was given to other persons and unidentified members of the Mandela family.”
Analyst Dr Somadoda Fikeni compared the court challenge to a soap opera.
“This case demonstrates the complexity beyond comprehension of situations of serial marriages where you have to deal with both modernity and tradition,” he said.
“The fact that this is happening to a world-renowned family, it will become more like a drama that will turn to a soapie that will not end soon.”
Fikeni said it was interesting that the case came at a time when the AbaThembu royal family was experiencing problems.
He was referring to efforts by a faction of the royal family to have King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo dethroned.
“The fragmentation within the family shows as each faction of the family are positioning themselves on different sides. Even the interpretation of customary law is different,” he said.
Meanwhile, Madikizela-Mandela’s lawyers are preparing another court application to interdict and possibly pursue civil claims against some commentators who have insulted her in the media.
The list includes AbaThembu Royal Family spokesman Daludumo Mtirara, who called Madikizela-Mandela’s court application opportunistic and greedy.
Notyesi said: “This is a court matter where the respondents have been given an opportunity to answer. We are taking exception at insults hurled at Mrs Mandela over this matter.”
He said civil claims will be pursued.
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