Nelson Mandela’s Daughters Fight For His Fortune And Artwork


Nelson Mandela’s daughters are fighting for rights to his fortune and artwork. Zenani and Makaziwe Mandela are reportedly angry that they have no control over their ailing father’s trust. They have filed a lawsuit, asking for full access to their father’s extensive fortune.

In April 2004, the Johannesburg High Court ruled that Nelson Mandela had the right to manage his own trust. Currently, Mandela’s attorney Bally Chuene, along with George Bizos and Tokyo Sexwale are named as trustees and directors of the trust and the artwork.

As reported by News 24, Nelson Mandela’s daughters have requested access to the funds on several occasions. In 2011, the trustees formally stated that they would not release any of the funds without a court order.

Mandela, age 94, has suffered multiple medical issues throughout the last year. His attorney contends that Mandela made it perfectly clear, he does not want his daughters involved in his finances.

As reported by Global Post, Mandela’s attorney Bally Chuene, states:

“Mr. Mandela made it clear to Makaziwe and Zenani that he did not want them involved in his affairs… the only persons he wanted involved were myself, advocate Bizos… and his other various nominees.”

Chuene believes Nelson Mandela’s daughters filed the lawsuit out of greed, as his money and artwork are worth millions.

A native of South Africa, Mandela is known worldwide for his civil rights efforts. He protested, and fought against, government enforced segregation, or apartheid, that plagued South Africa for decades.

As a member of the African National Congress, and the Umkhonto we Sizwe, Mandela was was eventually charged with “plotting to overthrow the government by violence.”

As reported by NobelPrize.org, Mandela spent 26 years in prison for his resistance against the racist government. Upon his release, he continued his fight for civil and human rights.

Mandela, along with former South African President F.W. de Klerk, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. In 1994, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.

Nelson Mandela’s daughters want a share of his success. Their lawsuit asks that the current trustees and directors be removed, allowing them to control their father’s fortune.

[Image via Flickr]

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