Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela Locked In Bitter Battle With In‑laws Over Late Partner’s R10 million Estate

Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is embroiled in a legal dispute over the estate of her late partner, Richard Edward Foxton.

According to News24, Foxton’s children are challenging her claim to a portion of his multimillion‑rand estate, placing roughly R10 million at the centre of a bitter inheritance battle.

Foxton, a former PR executive and founder of his namesake firm, passed away in June 2025 at the age of 82.

The long-term partnership he shared with Madonsela has now become the focus of legal contestation, as his children seek to secure what they consider their rightful share of the inheritance.

Madonsela has reportedly taken legal steps to protect her claim. The dispute underscores the complexities of estate law in South Africa, especially where formal agreements or wills may be unclear.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some sympathise with Madonsela, citing the rights of life partners, while others side with Foxton’s children, emphasising inheritance rights and the deceased’s intentions. The outcome of the case could set an important precedent for future estate disputes involving life partners.