Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the children of her late partner, Richard Edward Foxton, over his multimillion-rand estate. The dispute revolves around which of two wills is valid, with approximately R10 million at stake.
Thuli Madonsela’s late partner, Richard Edward Foxton, a prominent PR executive, passed away in June 2025. Madonsela, who was in a long-term, but unmarried, relationship with Foxton since around 2016, is challenging a will drafted in February 2025. She argues for the implementation of an earlier will from February 2020 instead.
The matter is currently before the High Court in Johannesburg, and an outcome could set a significant precedent for the inheritance rights of unmarried life partners in South Africa.
Key Points of Contention
- The 2020 Will (Favored by Madonsela): This will bequeathed R10 million to Madonsela for the purpose of purchasing a home in the Stellenbosch area, among other provisions. Foxton’s children were to receive other properties and a share of the residue of his estate.
- The 2025 Will (Contested by Madonsela): This later will makes a specific immovable property bequest to Madonsela as his “partner” but substantially alters the inheritance structure, providing more to Foxton’s children and a sister.
- Allegations of Undue Influence: Madonsela claims the 2025 will does not reflect Foxton’s true final wishes and resulted from undue influence during his period of declining health. In court documents, she states that Foxton began exhibiting signs of progressive short-term memory loss and fluctuating cognitive function from late 2023.
- Legal Standing: The case highlights the complexities of inheritance law for life partners in South Africa, who do not automatically have the same rights as married spouses.
