Former South African Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela held an online media briefing today, citing personal safety concerns linked to a legal battle over the estate of her late partner, Richard Edward Foxton, who died earlier this year.
In a rare public statement, Madonsela described feeling compelled to speak out due to alleged threats, including a reported eviction notice from a shared home just 48 hours after Foxton’s death and unauthorised property access for valuation. She also condemned a “vicious” media campaign portraying her as greedy, which she said necessitated her response.
The dispute centers on a multimillion-rand estate, including a reported R10 million property bequest to Madonsela, with questions raised over the validity of a 2025 will. Madonsela emphasised no conflict exists with Foxton’s children, but she has flagged irregularities in estate reporting and potential conflicts of interest by executors. The matter is now before the Johannesburg High Court.
“I would have preferred to handle this privately out of respect for my late partner and his family,” Madonsela said, stressing the issue is a personal legal challenge, not a public affair.
The briefing, sparked mixed reactions on X, with some praising her transparency and others questioning her decision to go public. The case continues to unfold as a high-profile legal and personal saga for the renowned anti-corruption advocate.