The will of the former South African president Nelson Mandela (pictured), who passed away last December was read on Monday by his attorneys and reportedly, the iconic leader divvied up an estimated $4.1 million amongst his family, the country’s African National Congress (ANC) and several local schools for scholarships according to the Daily Mirror.
Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke held a press conference Monday and told reporters that the 40-page will was not contested by Mandela’s family members. There is talk however that Mandela’s third wife, Grace Machel, may waive her claims to the estate.
The estate is reportedly split into three trusts including a family one for the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s 30 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren which will provide for them.
There was a belief that there would be dissension among a few members of the Mandela clan once the will was read. Reports of fighting amongst family members over the Mandela’s assets, even before the anti-apartheid leader passed away, fueled headlines for quite a while last year. Reports of family members fighting for control of Mandela’s money going to court seeking to oust other relatives in control. Then there were reports of heirs trying to profit from his image and likeness, and even speculation about the motives of legal advisors, whom he trusted to oversee foundations and trusts. All of the stories reported surrounding Mandela’s fortune generated alleged intentions of greed by loved ones.
Mandela, who was 95 when he passed away, left behind a mansion in Johannesburg, a home in an Eastern Cape province, and royalties from his autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom.”
There are family members, who have already begun a line of caps and sweatshirts that feature Mandela’s image under the brand of his autobiography. Two of his granddaughters, who live in the U.S. also starred in a TV reality show entitled, “Being Mandela.”
Reportedly, there are more money-making marketing ploys coming down the pike for the extensive Mandela clan.
Even though the will was not contested by Mandela’s family, they still have 90 days in which to change their minds.
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