Nelson Mandela Gets His Divorce

Union That Symbolized S. Africa's Struggle Is Severed By A Judge

March 20, 1996|By From Tribune News Services.

JOHANNESBURG — Nelson and Winnie Mandela had no ordinary marriage, and no ordinary breakup.

By the time the 38-year marriage formally ended in a messy divorce Tuesday, the public had witnessed the spectacle of the esteemed president of South Africa being forced to say he had been cuckolded by a spendthrift spouse.

"This is no ordinary case," countered Winnie Mandela, arguing for a postponement after firing her lawyer in court Tuesday.

Judge Frikkie Eloff was unswayed. Citing her refusal to testify or call witnesses, he granted an immediate divorce, cutting the union that once symbolized the struggle against white minority rule.

When Nelson Mandela asked for a divorce last year, he expressed hope for a quiet, amicable settlement. His wife refused, forcing this week's divorce proceedings.

On Monday, the 77-year-old president took the stand--the first time he had done so since 1964, when he received a life sentence for opposing apartheid.

Since being freed from prison in 1990, Mandela testified, he had felt nothing but "loneliness" living with Mrs. Mandela, who once was hailed as the "Mother of the Nation."

Their marriage had dissolved, he said, and he became convinced of her infidelity after seeing love letters from Mrs. Mandela to her personal assistant, Dali Mpofu.

During her husband's imprisonment, Mrs. Mandela became an anti-apartheid figure popular with the radical wing of the African National Congress. But her influence waned after his release, as Mandela pushed the ANC on a more moderate course.

In 1992, the couple separated after Mrs. Mandela was convicted in the kidnapping of four youths by her bodyguards. One youth was beaten to death.

Last year, she was fired as deputy minister of arts, culture, science and technology after a series of controversies.

She remains a member of parliament and leads the ANC Women's League.

During cross-examination Tuesday, defense lawyer Ismail Semenya had asked Mandela to recall his wife's suffering during their marriage: arrests, internal exile and hardship trying to support their two daughters.

The president agreed that his wife had endured much, but said her ordeal was not uncommon.

"There were many women in this country who suffered far more than she did," he said.

At one point, the judge pressed for a direct answer to the allegations of Mrs. Mandela's infidelity--legal grounds for divorce. Semenya whispered to Mrs. Mandela, then announced that he had been fired.

Mrs. Mandela rose and begged for time to find a new lawyer. The judge called it a ploy and ordered the case closed.

On Wednesday, the court will consider the settlement in what promises to be a bitter dispute. Mrs. Mandela reportedly is seeking about $5 million.

Mandela said in court papers that Winnie was a spendthrift who bought make-up, clothes and parties she could not afford.

"The problem is apparently that the defendant cannot afford her own lifestyle. But that is clearly due to her own extravagance," he said.