Nelson Mandela is “furious” that two of his daughters went behind his back to meddle in the management of his personal wealth, his lawyer has claimed in a case that exposes ugly battles over the lucrative Mandela brand.
Makaziwe and Zenani Mandela allegedly amended a trust deed in secret so they could gain access to the former president’s wealth, according to court papers filed by Bally Chuene, the lawyer.
Chuene’s allegations are a response to Makaziwe, founder of the House of Mandela wine label, and Zenani, the South African ambassador to Argentina, who are seeking to oust him and George Bizos, Mandela’s long-time friend and lawyer, from the boards of two investment funds.
Chuene argued that the daughters’ motive is to gain access to Mandela’s money and sell artworks featuring his handprints. Chuene also accused Mandela’s estranged lawyer, Ismail Ayob, of colluding with Makaziwe and Zenani.
GNS