Mandla Mandela to challenge ruling on hotel, stadium

Mandla Mandela has been given until December to file court papers opposing an interim interdict barring him from building a hotel and stadium in Mvezo.

The Mthatha Magistrate's Court made the ruling after Mandela's lawyers filed a notice of motion to oppose an application made by three families.

The three families - Tyalakhulu, Diniso and Fothi - were granted an interim interdict by magistrate Ronnie Lesele two months ago to bar development in Mvezo.

Mtshutshisi Tyalakhulu said the families were not happy with Mandela's proposal because it meant their family graves would have to be moved.

"Moving them would be disrespectful. I personally advised the respondent that he could do all he wanted but should leave my home untouched. He assured us that he would do no such thing as to take over our land."

The interim order against the development was initially granted on an urgent basis in the absence of Mandela or his lawyers as he had not been served with papers at the time.

But his lawyers have since filed a notice of motion to oppose the application.

Yesterday, lawyer Simon Foord told the court that they would soon be filing an answering affidavit.

"We will file the answering papers on or around December 9," Foord said.