Mandela's Grandsons Accused of Turning Iconic Home into Drug Hangout
Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Trust have launched a high court application alleging that the late president's grandsons have transformed his historic Houghton Estate property in Johannesburg into a "hangout for drug users" and "scantily clad women." The dispute centres on the behaviour of brothers Ndaba and Mbuso Mandela, which trustees claim is impeding a crucial refurbishment project designed to protect the property's legacy.
Court Documents Reveal Shocking Allegations
According to court documents filed at the Gauteng High Court, the trustees have outlined a series of disturbing incidents at the property. In an affidavit, cousin Tukwinio Mandela alleged that Mbuso allowed "troublesome friends and their families" to stay in a separate cottage on the estate. She stated: "The friends he invited to stay in the cottage were often intoxicated, and the gate and house keys were left in their possession, which allowed them full access to the property, including the main house."
Tukwinio further claimed she repeatedly witnessed "scantily clad women" and "intoxicated people" in the yard, while items from the main house began disappearing, only to be later discovered in the cottage. The property has allegedly fallen into significant disrepair, with appliances stripped and carpets stained.
Trustees Take Legal Action to Protect Legacy
High Court Judge Gcina Malindi, who serves as one of the trust's trustees, described the situation as a "travesty" and labelled the brothers' behaviour as "destructive." Malindi emphasised that limiting access during renovations would be "in the interests of preserving the late President Mandela's legacy." The trustees are seeking court orders to ban Ndaba from entering the property entirely and to evict him, while pursuing similar restrictions for Mbuso regarding the main house.
The legal application was submitted on January 12, with the brothers filing an intention to oppose. They were given until January 20 to submit an answering affidavit but have reportedly failed to do so. A hearing is expected to take place in March.
Grandsons Defend Their Position
In response to the allegations, Mbuso Mandela told South African media in January that he does not consume drugs and is actively fighting the eviction attempt. He declared: "All I can say is that we are fighting it; we cannot allow certain people to sell the house for their own profit." The brothers' right to reside at the property stems from Mandela's will, which stipulated that his grandsons could live there rent-free for their lifetimes, unless trustees decided otherwise after consulting with the Mandela and Machel families.
Historical Significance of the Houghton Estate
Nelson Mandela moved into the luxurious Houghton Estate home in 1998 with his wife Graca Machel, transforming it into a venue for hosting global dignitaries. The property welcomed prominent figures including former US First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters in 2011, as well as Irish rock star Bono in 2002. In his will, Mandela left the home to his trust to determine "what special purpose the house may be used" for, while ensuring his grandsons could reside there under specific conditions.
The current legal battle highlights the tension between preserving Mandela's legacy and the personal rights of his descendants, with trustees arguing that the alleged misconduct threatens both the physical property and its historical importance.
