Many were shocked when finding out that anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela omitted ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela from his will. President Mandela’s $4.1 million dollar estate was divided between his family, the ruling African National Congress party, former staff and several schools. His homes in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Mthatha were left to the family trust with instructions on who could live in each property. Each of his six children and some of his 17 grandchildren received almost 180,000 pounds, the equivalent of 300,000 U.S. dollars.
Madikizela-Mandela has decided to contest Nelson Mandela’s will and claims she bought the Qunu property in 1989 while he was imprisoned and therefore that gives her ownership rights under traditional law.
However, a letter from lawyer Mvuzo Notyesi said the Qunu house should be given to Madikizela-Mandela’s two daughters, Zindzi and Zenani, and their children.
The combination of money, death, and grief is known to make waters a bit murky. Let’s hope President Mandela’s loved ones find peace surrounding his passing.
