Key Takeaways
- Former public protector Thuli Madonsela is alleging a campaign of "lies and half-truths" against her amid a legal dispute after the death of her life partner, Richard Foxton.
- Madonsela is challenging a 2025 will, which she claims is invalid due to Foxton’s declining mental capacity at the time of its drafting.
- She is seeking to have a 2020 will honoured instead, which made provision for her to get R10m in cash.
- Madonsela has expressed concern over a news report stating that her home in Stellenbosch has been evaluated and given a price tag of R10m without her authorization.
- She claims that she is not in a dispute with Foxton’s children or family members, but rather with someone her partner trusted with his business and personal financial affairs.
Introduction to the Dispute
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela is alleging that she is being subjected to a campaign of "lies and half-truths" amid a legal dispute after the death of her life partner, Richard Foxton. Madonsela made these allegations during a media briefing, where she expressed her grief and frustration over the challenges she has been facing since Foxton’s passing in June. According to Madonsela, the challenges began 48 hours after Foxton’s death, when an attempt was made to evict her from the home they shared in Johannesburg.
The Eviction Attempt
The attempt to evict Madonsela was made through a message sent to a family WhatsApp group by an executor of Foxton’s estate. The message stated that the two apartments were to be locked and remain unoccupied as soon as possible, and that anyone who wished to visit the flat had to be in the company of all siblings. Madonsela said that the executor was aware that she was residing in one of the apartments at the time, and that she was blindsided by the message. She also stated that she had a mutual affection and partnership with Foxton, which was known by all in his circle.
The Dispute Over the Will
At the heart of the legal conflict is a dispute over the final wishes of Foxton, who had been a successful public relations executive. Madonsela is challenging a 2025 will, which she claims is invalid due to Foxton’s declining mental capacity at the time of its drafting. She is seeking to have a 2020 will honoured instead, which made provision for her to get R10m in cash. According to reports, the newer will bequeathed her a property in the Cape to the same value. Madonsela expressed concern over the fact that the house she lives in Stellenbosch has been evaluated and given a price tag of R10m, without her authorization.
Concerns Over Security and Privacy
Madonsela said that she was shocked to learn that her home in Stellenbosch had been evaluated and given a price tag of R10m. She stated that she had not authorized anyone to access her home for evaluation or anything, and that the thought of someone having been to her home without her permission had a chilling effect on her family. Madonsela also expressed concern over her security and privacy, and stated that security experts had advised her to make this information public.
No Dispute with Foxton’s Family
Madonsela said that she is not in a dispute with Foxton’s children or family members. She stated that she has not had any fight with the Foxtons, and that the only party that has had issues with her since the hours of bereavement is someone her partner trusted with his business and personal financial affairs. Madonsela’s statement suggests that the dispute is centered around the actions of the executor of Foxton’s estate, rather than his family members.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legal dispute between Madonsela and the executor of Foxton’s estate is a complex and sensitive matter. Madonsela’s allegations of a campaign of "lies and half-truths" against her are serious, and her concerns over her security and privacy are understandable. The dispute over the will and the evaluation of her home in Stellenbosch are also significant issues that need to be addressed. As the matter continues to unfold, it is likely that more information will come to light, and the truth about the circumstances surrounding Foxton’s death and the actions of the executor will be revealed.