Madiba’s eldest daughter Makaziwe Mandela (pictured) has teamed up with her sister Zenani to take over their father’s money and other assets. – image – m.sobefest.com

When most people are not feeling well, they usually turn to family for support. Former President Nelson Mandela may have been expecting support from his daughters but that’s not all he’s getting. Madiba and his lawyer, Bally Chuene, are embroiled in an uncharacteristic and disturbing legal battle with his children over his assets.

Bally Chuene took over from Ismal Ayob as Nelson Mandela’s legal representative. Together with George Bizos SC and Tokyo Sexwale, Chuene is responsible for the management of Madiba’s interests in Maqnifique Investment Holding and Harmonieux Investment Holding. In April, it was reported that Ismail Ayob was retained by Zenani and Makaziwe Mandela to remove the three directors from their positions so that they may take over control of the former politician’s finances and art collection.

According to reports, the South Gauteng High Court received an affidavit from Bally Chuene in response to the Mandela daughters’ allegations of improper conduct. In the affidavit, submitted this Friday, Chuene said that Nelson Mandela had made it clear to his daughters that he would prefer it if they did not involve themselves in his financial matters. Madiba expressed this wish back in 2005 at a meeting where his daughters were also present.

The affidavit also exposes the fact that Ismail Ayob is yet to respond to the ailing leader’s request for complete information about his art collection. Madiba requested this information for the first time in 2004 but it has yet to land at his desk.

It seems that when Madiba needs his children the most, they are more concerned about his money and valuables. They are going through his assets with a fine comb looking for any instances where they may be able to take over his portfolio. Upon submission of the affidavit, Cheune, Sexwale and Bizos requested that the court dismiss this matter with legal costs.