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Executors Defend R10m Property Bequest to Thuli Madonsela Amid Will Dispute
Johannesburg – The executors of the late businessperson Richard Edward Foxton’s estate have stepped in to defend a R10 million property bequest to former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, amid a heated legal battle over which version of his will should stand. This dispute has thrown the spotlight on family tensions, inheritance laws, and the final wishes of a man who shared a long-term partnership with one of South Africa’s most respected figures.
Foxton, a well-known public relations executive who founded his own firm, passed away in June 2025 at the age of 82. His death has sparked a courtroom clash between Madonsela and his four adult children, who are challenging her claim to a big chunk of the estate. At the heart of the matter are two wills – one from 2020 that promised Madonsela R10 million in cash, and a later one from 2025 that switched this to a valuable property in Cape Town.
As the case unfolds in the Gauteng High Court, questions swirl about the validity of the newer will, with handwriting experts now poring over key documents to check for any signs of foul play or errors. The executors insist they are duty-bound to follow what they see as Foxton’s true last instructions, but Madonsela argues the 2020 version better reflects their shared life and love.
This story has gripped the nation, sparking debates on social media about fairness in estates, the rights of long-term partners, and why even careful planning can lead to family rifts. Many South Africans have rallied behind Madonsela, praising her strength, while others question why Foxton did not make his wishes clearer to avoid such pain.
The Relationship and Foxton’s Passing
Her personal life came into focus when she got engaged to Richard Edward Foxton in late July 2018. Foxton, a respected businessman and philanthropist in the public relations field, shared a deep bond with Madonsela over many years. Their partnership was one of mutual support, blending her public service with his professional world.
Tragically, Foxton died on 21 June 2025, leaving behind a multimillion-rand estate that includes cash, properties, and other assets. His passing not only left a void in Madonsela’s life but also set the stage for a family dispute that has now spilled into the courts. Madonsela has spoken of their relationship as one built on love and shared values, which she believes should be honoured through his estate plans.
Foxton’s four adult children, who are beneficiaries in a trust set up for the residue of the estate, have stepped forward to protect what they see as their rightful share. This has led to accusations that they are trying to cut Madonsela out of a fair portion, turning a private grief into a public showdown.
Details of the Conflicting Wills
The core of the dispute lies in two different wills signed by Foxton. The first, dated 20 February 2020, names Madonsela as a key beneficiary. In this document, she is set to receive R10 million in cash, along with R100,000 each for her granddaughter and Foxton’s granddaughters. This will recognises Madonsela’s important role in his life and ensures she is well provided for.
However, a second will emerged, signed on 3 February 2025 – just four months before Foxton’s death. This version changes the bequest to Madonsela from cash to a specific property: 12 Nicolaas Cleef Street in the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, Cape Town, including all transfer costs. The will refers to her as Foxton’s “partner” and includes a condition that their relationship must still be ongoing at the time of his death for the bequest to hold.
Under this 2025 will, the rest of the estate goes to trustees for the benefit of Foxton’s four children. The executors listed are Michael Beder and Douglas Taylor, though KP Fiduciary is also mentioned in connection with the estate management.
Madonsela contends that the 2025 will is invalid and should not be used. She argues that the earlier 2020 will better captures Foxton’s true intentions, especially given their enduring partnership. The shift from cash to property has raised eyebrows, with some wondering if external pressures or health issues influenced the change.
Legal Actions and the New Twist
On 19 November 2025, Madonsela filed an affidavit in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, asking the court to declare the 2020 will as the valid one and direct the executors to follow it. She claims the children and executors are pushing an invalid document, potentially depriving her of her due inheritance.
The executors have responded by defending the 2025 will’s property bequest, stating they are committed to honouring what they believe were Foxton’s final wishes. They argue that the later will supersedes the earlier one and should be upheld, emphasising the importance of respecting the deceased’s last instructions.
A fresh development has added intrigue: handwriting experts are now examining the documents to verify signatures and check for any alterations. This step aims to settle doubts about the 2025 will’s authenticity, potentially tipping the scales in the ongoing battle.
Madonsela’s legal team is gearing up for a tough fight, highlighting how estate disputes often boil down to more than money – they touch on love, legacy, and family bonds. The case underscores the complexities of high-value estates, especially when unmarried partners are involved, and the need for clear, up-to-date wills.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The story has sparked lively discussions across South Africa, with many taking to social media to voice their views. One commenter noted, “The painful thing about Wills & Estates is that folks often want to reduce ALL to mere Rands & Cents, whereas, the Wishes of a spouse or life partner are about the life they lived & the love they shared. As if uSis’ Thuli doesn’t have her OWN money, iyho, inobuxelegu into yamafa!” This reflects sympathy for Madonsela, seeing the dispute as unfair given her own achievements and independence.
Others have criticised Foxton’s children, asking why they would challenge a bequest from their father, while some sympathise with them, stressing the importance of family inheritance. Questions like “Didn’t He Have a Will?” highlight public confusion over how such disputes arise even with legal documents in place.
This case shines a light on South Africa’s inheritance laws, particularly for unmarried couples. It reminds people to update wills regularly and consider conditions like ongoing relationships to avoid post-death conflicts. For many, it also shows how grief can turn into legal battles, affecting even prominent figures like Madonsela.
What Happens Next in the Dispute
As the court proceedings continue, all eyes are on the handwriting analysis and any further evidence that might surface. Madonsela remains determined to secure what she believes is her rightful share, drawing on her history of standing up for justice.
The executors stand firm in their defence of the property bequest, but the outcome could set precedents for similar cases. Whether Madonsela walks away with the R10 million cash or the Cape Town property – or something else – remains to be seen. For now, the dispute serves as a stark reminder that love and legacy can sometimes lead to unexpected courtroom dramas.
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