Nelson Mandela. Photo / AP
Nelson Mandela did not trust his own children with his financial legacy and placed the money in a fund to stop them fighting over it, say friends of the former South African president.
Mandela feared that his children might feel "entitled" because of what they endured during his 27 years
in prison, but was adamant that they should carve out their own careers.
The disclosure came as two of Mandela's daughters began a bitter court battle with two of his oldest friends for control of a fund holding £1 million ($1.8 million). In 2005, Mandela placed the money in a trust with several "gatekeepers", who were empowered to disburse it to his children and grandchildren only if they fell on hard times.
"It was not meant as a general pot but for specific circumstances," said one friend. "He did not want them to be in need but he also wanted them to further their education and carve out their own careers."
Another friend said the Nobel Laureate had set up the trust to avoid family disputes. "I think he was aware that members of his family might have been trying to get this, maybe they felt entitled," he said. The friend added: "No, he didn't trust them. He foresaw disputes over the money."
