Former Public Protector and respected constitutional law scholar Professor Thuli Madonsela has spoken out publicly for the first time in an emotional, hard-hitting media briefing, detailing what she describes as a traumatic R10 million legal fight, an alleged attempted eviction days after her partner’s death, and serious fears for her personal safety.
Speaking during a live-streamed press conference watched across South Africa, Madonsela said she was forced to break her silence after months of what she calls a “relentless character assassination campaign” linked to the estate of her late partner, businessman Richard “Dick” Foxton, who passed away on 21 June 2025.
“I Come With a Heavy Heart”: Why Madonsela Spoke Out Now
Madonsela opened the briefing by explaining that she had tried to deal with her partner’s passing privately and with dignity, but escalating developments left her with no choice.
“I come to this platform reluctantly with a heavy heart… Nearly six months since the passing of my late partner,” she said.
According to Madonsela, shortly after she filed court papers challenging a will she believes does not reflect Foxton’s true wishes, she became the target of damaging media reports portraying her as greedy and embroiled in a “bitter family dispute”.
She strongly rejected that narrative.
“I have had no fight with the Foxton family. The only party that has had issues with me since hours of bereavement is someone my partner trusted with his business and finances.”
Shock Eviction Attempt Days After Foxton’s Death
One of the most disturbing revelations was an attempted eviction just two days after Foxton died.
Madonsela told journalists that while she was mourning, a message was posted in a family WhatsApp group instructing that the Johannesburg apartment she shared with Foxton be locked and vacated immediately.
“This was not a court order. It was a chilling WhatsApp message,” she said.
She stressed that the apartment was their primary home, where they spent holidays, Christmases and years together, while a Stellenbosch house was mainly for work and future retirement.
The attempted eviction, she said, traumatised not only her but also her children and Foxton’s son, Justin Foxton, who had travelled to Johannesburg to mourn his father.
Life Partner, Not a “Casual Relationship”
Madonsela was emphatic that her relationship with Foxton was public, long-term and deeply committed, lasting nearly a decade.
She revealed:
They met in 2016 and became engaged in 2018
She was introduced publicly as his partner
She lived with him and supported him until his final weeks
She cited messages from Foxton’s own family members acknowledging her role in his life and confirming that he regarded her as the love of his life.
“Every speaker at the funeral treated me as his spouse. Our relationship was never secret.”
She described as “bizarre and hurtful” demands that she stop calling herself his partner, despite the very will being defended referring to her as such.
Alleged Fraud, Missing Documents and a Disputed Will
At the centre of the legal battle is a disputed will, with Madonsela challenging what she described as a purported 2025 will that allegedly:
Does not comply with legal requirements
Is missing the original document
Contradicts earlier valid wills
She also raised serious concerns about estate reporting, claiming that documents lodged with the Master of the High Court:
Incorrectly listed the deceased as having no children
Misrepresented who the “nearest relative” was
Underreported assets
Madonsela confirmed she has formally asked for the removal of the executors, arguing they lack impartiality and failed in their fiduciary duties.
R10 Million Property Valuation Sparks Safety Fears
One of the most alarming moments of the briefing came when Madonsela addressed reports that the home she currently lives in was allegedly valued at R10 million without her knowledge or consent.
“I never authorised anyone to access my home for a valuation,” she said.
She explained that professional valuations require physical access, raising fears that someone may have entered her home without permission.
Security experts, she revealed, advised her to make the issue public in case “anything happens” to her.
“The thought of unauthorised access to my home left a chilling effect on my family.”
“This Is Not About Money”
Madonsela firmly rejected claims that she is seeking more than what was provided for in earlier wills.
“I am not asking for double the bequest. That would be unlawful.”
Her court application, she said, seeks only:
A declaration that the disputed will is invalid
Enforcement of valid earlier bequests
Removal of executors appointed under questionable circumstances
Appointment of an impartial executor
She also confirmed that her rights as a surviving life partner are grounded in constitutional and statutory law following key Constitutional Court judgments.
A Call for Justice and Transparency
In closing, an emotional Madonsela said the last six months had forced her to grieve while simultaneously defending her dignity, her safety and her partner’s legacy.
“I consider these grave injustices.”
She called on the Department of Justice to conduct a forensic investigation into the estate, particularly what she described as potentially fraudulent reporting.
“I did not invite you to judge these matters. I expect the court to judge them.”
Madonsela ended by thanking her children, supportive members of the Foxton family, colleagues, friends, and South Africans who have offered prayers and messages of support.
Why This Story Matters
This unfolding legal battle involving one of South Africa’s most respected public figures raises profound questions about estate administration, women’s rights, life partnerships, and the abuse of power during bereavement.
As the courts prepare to rule, the nation will be watching closely.