Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela is challenging her late husband’s will.
She wants rights to Mandela’s tribal home in Qunu which he bought when they were married.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s lawyer Mvuyo Notyesi written to co-executor of the former president’s will Dikgang Moseneke arguing that AbaThembu tribal custom dictates that the rights to the property go to Madikizela-Mandela and her descendants.
The lawyerssays this is applicable irrespective of whether the wife was divorced or not.
Notyesi says it’s only in this home that the children and grandchildren of Madikizela-Mandela can conduct their own customs and tradition.
He says supporting affidavits will be filed from AbaThembu elders, and King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo among others.
He maintains his approach is not an attack on Mandela’s will, but an assertion of customary and traditional rights.
Moseneke has acknowledged receipt of the letter and says the claim will be discussed tomorrow (Thursday).
Madikizela-Mandela, who was the former statesman’s second wife, for 38 years, was left out of Mandela’s will, which was released in February following his death in December last year.
Mandela wrote in his will that the Qunu property should be used by his family in perpetuity in order to preserve the unity of the Mandela family.