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CAPE TOWN — Late former South African president Nelson Mandela’s widow Graca Machel was not ill-treated by the Mandela family, the abaThembu royal family said on Sunday.“She (Graca Machel) must be respected by each and every family member as she is the only wife of Madiba (Mandela) who supported him until the last moment,” royal family spokesperson Daludumo Mtirara said in a statement.
This came after reports emerged that the family was fighting over Mandela’s estate and wanted to evict Graca from the house she and Mandela shared.
No firm evidence could be found that proved Graca was ill- treated by the family, said Mtirara.
But Mtirara acknowledged “instability in the Mandela house” in Qunu, Eastern Cape, where Mandela was burried.
The members of the royal family shared their concern about “instability in the Mandela house,” said Mtirara.
He was referring to an alleged family feud over Mandela’s assets, including his Qunu estate, among family members.
Mtirara said a process is underway to execute the estate.
“We understand that there is a process for the executon of the estate,” he said.
Mtirara urged Mandela family members not to change the status of Mandela’s estate until the allocation process is finalised.
“We advised the family members to remain calm, respect the administration of the estate and ensure that all the assets remain where they are until processes are finalised,” Mtirara said.
The abaThembu royal family made the call after a meeting with the elders of the Mandela house in Qunu to discuss the execution of the estate, according to Mtirara.
The meeting, Mtirara said, reiterated that Mandla Mandela, who is the eldest grandson, was to be considered the head of the family.
“Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela is the only point of entry to the Mandela house and he remains the head of this house,” said Mtirara.
Mtirara’s remarks contradict those of Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who said Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, will head the family and will make decisions with the support of her two sisters.
This was in accordance with customary law and tradition, Winnie said in a statement days after Madela was buried on December 15.
“To this end, there is no misunderstanding, or debate,” Winnie said.
As for Mandela’s eldest grandson Mandla Mandela, Winnie said he is respected as one of Mandela’s grandchildren, the next generation of the Mandela family.
Mandla and Makaziwe have reportedly been involved in a bitter public spat over the control of Mandela’s legacy and leadership of the fractured family. – Xinhua.
Online Reporter