Dec. 24 (GIN) – Graca
Machel, third wife of former leader Nelson Mandela, will handle husband Nelson’s
affairs, said a spokesman for the AbaThembu royal family, putting to rest for
the moment various claims on the Mandela estate by other family
members.
"The
passing of Mandela does not terminate his commitment to Machel," said family
spokesman Chief Daludumo Mtirara.
.
No
member of the Mandela family may intimidate former president Nelson Mandela's
widow Graca Machel, the royal family warned, adding that she should not face
abusive language or threats to leave the Mandela homes in Houghton or
Qunu
Reports that Mandela’s children were moving to evict Machel from
the house she and her husband shared were picked up widely by local
media.
The spokesman for the royals said emphatically: "Nkosikazi Nosizwe
Graca Machel remains under the umbrella of the Mandela family and members of the
family who do not respect her must refrain from that trend because it is a
disgrace that undermines our custom."
Shortly after Mandela's death, ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
called reports of a renewed family feud as "mischievous innuendos" and
"apartheid-style" tactics. But she also issued a statement last week declaring
Makaziwe Mandela as the head of the family, seconded by Madiba’s daughters,
Zindziswa Mandela and Zenani Dlamini Mandela.
Makaziwe, the eldest daughter, reportedly ordered that locks be
changed at the family homestead in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, and that his
eldest grandson Mandla Mandela be locked out.
The
Mozambican-born Machel has not announced her future plans as she is still
mourning.
At
the Mandela memorial on Dec. 15, the two wives, Graca and Winnie, were praised
in a speech by Malawi President Joyce Banda.
.
“As an African woman and leader,” said Banda, “I wish to
acknowledge Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela for her efforts and steadfastness for
standing with Tata Mandela before and during Tata’s imprisonment and for being
in the forefront of ANC’s struggle for liberation.
“And to you, Mama Graca Machel, I wish to thank you for your
visible love and care especially during Tata’s last
days.
"To
both of you, the love and tolerance you have demonstrated before the whole world
during the funeral has shown us that you are prepared to continue with Tata’s
ideals."
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