Grandchildren of Nelson Mandela seek to show unity in dispute over firms tied to ex-president
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The family of Nelson Mandela is seeking to present a united front in a dispute with longtime associates of the former South African president over control of two companies.
In a statement released Thursday, Mandela's grandchildren said the associates, including lawyer George Bizos, have portrayed the Mandela family as "insensitive money-grabbers."
The statement says most of the grandchildren are "gainfully employed" and run their own projects.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Two daughters of 94-year-old Mandela, an iconic fighter against racist white rule, have opened a court case against Bizos and associates, saying they should not remain directors of two companies whose proceeds are supposed to benefit the Mandela family.
Bizos says he is a longtime supporter of the Mandela family, and that he got involved in the companies on Mandela's instructions.