Former South African President Nelson Mandela left around $4.1 million to his family, former staff, schools, and the African National Congress (ANC), the reading of his will revealed on Monday.
During a news conference one of the will’s executor Dikgang Moseneke said the estate was valued at 46 million rand ($4.1 million), excluding royalties.
The late President’s will and testament was read to the family and beneficiaries at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
According to the document, Nelson Mandela’s third wife Graca Machel, may waive her right to half the estate and instead opt for specific assets including some of the properties in her native Mozambique.
Moseneke pointed out that the executors and administrators of the estate would follow applicable South African law in the execution of the will, but would not be involved with customary law with regards to status within the family.
“Reading wills are always occasions charged with emotion.” Moseneke said when asked about the mood in the room where the family sat during the reading.
He added the family was in a good mood and would interrupt, from time to time, to ask questions or clarifications about certain passages.
Among Nelson Mandela’s assets are homes in Johannesburg and Eastern Cape — his home province — and royalties from book sales.
Children and grandchildren of the former South African leader have clashed in the past over who should benefit from his investments.
Moseneke added that some of the funds will be spent in trusts set up for his more than 30 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Nelson Mandela left $300,000 to each of his children and some of his grandchildren and he also directed that the home in which he died in Houghton, Johannesburg, was to be used by the family of his late son Makgatho.
“It is my wish that it should also serve as a place of gathering of the Mandela family in order to maintain its unity long after my death,” Mandela wrote about his beloved home.
Mandela’s loyal assistant Zelda La Grange and other staff, each get around $4,500.
The schools and other institutions Nelson Mandela attended are due to receive more than $8,900 each. Mandela also also shared other amounts with grants and scholarships at other schools.
Notably absent from mention was Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife, Winnie. Moseneke said he was not aware of any amendments to the will and added there is a period of 90-days during which the document can be contested.
