Mandela's family rows over house

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/8234715.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela has won a legal battle to evict a distant cousin who had been staying in a family home in Soweto since 1991.

Emma Ngcongolo had said Mandla Mandela's father had promised to give it to her after his death in 2005.

But the Gauteng housing adjudication board ruled that a "promise" could not constitute a transfer of ownership.

The Mandelas have promise to ensure that Ms Ngcongolo and her family are not left destitute.

I am not celebrating because there is nothing to celebrate; however, I am relieved that the court finally settled the dispute Mandla Mandela

"I am disappointed," Ms Ngcongololo tearfully told reporters after the ruling.

The unemployed woman had testified that she had been living in the house for 18 years with her husband, a construction worker, and two sons.

"Though I have sympathy with the Ngcongolo family for wanting to continue to stay in our family house, it was my father's wish that the house be restored to the family and that it be available to any of his children who may want to occupy it," said Mandla Mandela.

"I am not celebrating because there is nothing to celebrate; however, I am relieved that the court finally settled the dispute," he said.