“In his founding affidavit, Zondwa presents a contrasting version of events, alleging that Dlamini-Mandela removed certain assets from Madikizela-Mandela’s Orlando West home in Soweto without authorisation from the master of the high court.”

“Zondwa says he became aware of the alleged removal of assets through a letter addressed to Dlamini by his mother, Zindzi Mandela, in June 2020.”

“Zindzi Mandela died on July 13 2020, aged 59, after testing positive for Covid-19.”

“He further claims that Dlamini-Mandela responded by indicating that the items would only be returned upon the handover of a handbag and an accounting of funeral-related funds.”

““On June 28 2020, Zenani attempted to extort my mother — indicating that the items removed by her would be returned ‘when you hand over mummy’s handbag’ and provide ‘a full account of the bills that you claimed you settled with the monies received from funeral contributions’,” the affidavit reads.”

“Zondwa also alleges that wedding rings were removed and that other family members were allowed to “pilfer the estate” under the guise of renovating Madikizela-Mandela’s home into a national museum.”

“He contends that the only way the estate can be successfully wound up is if Dlamini-Mandela is removed as co-executor “and ordered to provide me with all documents relating to the estate”.”

“Alternatively, he argues that it is imperative that an independent third-party executor be appointed to assist in expediting the process.”

“In her answering papers, Dlamini-Mandela disputes these allegations.”

““The modus operandi of Zondwa Mandela is to avoid attending any meetings at which constructive engagement can take place, whether to explain his appointment as co-executor or to advance the administration of the deceased estate,” she states.”

““He has no interest in advancing the administration of the deceased estate or in explaining himself. Rather, his conduct as co-executor is designed to delay the administration of the estate at inopportune moments to serve his own self-interest.””

“Dlamini-Mandela further contends that the scale and significance of the estate require careful investigation of all beneficiaries and assets.”

““Her deceased estate cannot be simply realised, and distributions made to the heirs, without responsibly investigating whether that which falls within her estate — particularly immovable property in Soweto and various artefacts, furniture and clothing — should form part of the national heritage,” she states.”

““There will be no irreparable harm to the deceased estate should Zondwa Mandela be removed as co-executor. To the contrary, the administration of the estate will be progressed.””