Mandela’s will ‘a summary of his wishes’

Nelson Mandela. File photo: Reuters

Nelson Mandela. File photo: Reuters

Published Feb 3, 2014

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Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela's will shows how unselfish he was, his lawyer and friend George Bizos said on Monday.

“His wishes in his will are a summary of his wishes in life. He has also provided for education institutions. He was not selfish,” said an emotional Bizos after the contents of Mandela's will and estate were revealed in Johannesburg.

Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke said the provisional assessment of Mandela's estate was about R46 million.

Bizos said Mandela prioritised education.

“He would tell anyone willing to help with any donation to go anywhere in the country and build a school or a clinic,” said Bizos.

Bizos, Moseneke and Judge President Themba Sangoni are executors of Mandela's estate.

Mandela also left R50 000 to his personal assistant, Zelda la Grange, and R50 000 to his chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

Ndoyiya said she was humbled by the former statesman's gesture.

“He has treated me like one of his children. Inheritances are left to family members. I never thought he would leave money for me,” said Ndoyiya.

The University of the Witwatersrand, where Mandela obtained his law degree, and the University of Fort Hare received R100 000 each from the estate.

Wits vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Adam Habib, said the institution was humbled.

“We understand that this endowment brings with it a tremendous responsibility, given the character and legacy of our great leader and his commitment to the transformative power of education,” Habib said.

“Thank you, Tata, for remembering us in your will. You live on in our memory and in our lives.”

Asked how the rest of the family received the contents of the will, Moseneke said everyone was pleased.

“The reading of the will went well. There were clarifications sought. All Mandela's descendants were present,” Moseneke said.

The will was read to all beneficiaries of the estate on Monday morning.

Sapa

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