Daughter locked in battle over Nelson Mandela firms gives emotional interview

A daughter of Nelson Mandela who is suing for control of his artworks and companies has given an emotional interview in which she describes her ageing father’s failing health and lack of privacy.

Makaziwe Mandela and her sister Zenani are locked in a bitter legal battle with the Nobel Peace Prize winner's lawyer, Bally Chuene, and the Nelson Mandela Trust trustees over control of two companies.

The sisters have come in for significant public criticism since it was reported last week that, in a bid to gain control of the trust, they want to fight a court order secured by Mr Mandela in 2004 giving him the right to instruct his then lawyer, Ismail Ayob, to stop managing his affairs.

Accused of greed
The women have been widely accused of greed on social media networks and by associates looking after Mr Mandela's interests.

They are widely seen as acting insensitively towards their ailing father, who turns 95 next month.

However, the interview given by Mr Mandela’s eldest child to news agency AFP looks to showcase the strength of their bond rather than touch on the difficult relationship they had due to his absence as a father.

Makaziwe Mandela reportedly refused to talk about the legal action she is taking.

Speaking of his current state of health and awareness, Ms Mandela says her father does not talk much any more, but that he reaches out to them in other ways.

“It’s the hand that he stretches out. It is the touching of the hand that speaks volumes for me.

“And, for me, if you ask me what I would treasure, it is this moment that I treasure with my father,” she said in the interview.

Of the constant media presence outside the former South African president’s home, and the intensity of the interest in his life, Ms Mandela said her father’s dignity and privacy were under constant threat.