Johannesburg – The death of boxing legend Dingaan Thobela in April 2024 has cast a long shadow, not only on his family but also on the legal battle now brewing over his estate.
His father, Godfrey Thobela, is taking the matter to the Johannesburg High Court, demanding DNA tests for all fourteen of Dingaan's children before any assets are distributed. This unexpected move has ignited a bitter dispute, pitting grandfather against grandchildren in a fight over the late boxer's inheritance.
The legal action, as detailed in court summons seen by ZiMoja, will see Godfrey and Dingaan's ten named children – Thando, Ntombi, Queeneth, Bongane, Nobuhle, Theriso, Dingane Jr, Ndivhuo, Shanel, and Neo – appearing before the Johannesburg High Court.
The remaining four children are not explicitly named in the provided documents. The summons reveals Godfrey's intention to challenge the paternity of Dingaan’s children, demanding DNA tests to verify their lineage before the estate is settled.
Godfrey's application, as stated in the court documents, includes several key demands: "Ordering respondent one (Thando) to ten (Neo) to undergo DNA testing to prove that they are indeed the late Bongani Dingaan Thobela's children. Interdicting the first and second respondents from proceeding with the process of winding down the estate of Bongani Dingaan Thobela, pending the outcome of the DNA results. Ordering the respondents one and three to refrain from intimidating the first applicant in running the funeral business. The 11th respondent should not pass or transfer ownership of any properties under Bongani Dingaan Thobela, until the determination by the honourable court."
This clearly outlines Godfrey's determination to control the distribution of his son's assets.
The dispute highlights a deep-seated conflict between Godfrey and his late son's children. A source close to the family questioned Godfrey's sudden intervention, stating, "Dingaan took care of his children when he was alive; why would the grandfather who was absent suddenly creep out of the woods wanting to take everything?"
This sentiment reflects the widespread surprise and anger felt by many within the family circle.
Godfrey, identifying himself as a pensioner in the court documents, argues that his cultural practices require notification from the mother's family to the alleged father's family during pregnancy. He claims this crucial step was omitted in all cases. He further alleges that Dingaan himself expressed uncertainty about the paternity of some of his children.
"The late Bongani Dingaan Thobela reluctantly supported most if not all of his children, as he always maintained the fact that only the mother of the child knows the true paternity. He always expressed uncertainty and doubts about fathering some of the children," the document states.
In a statement to ZiMoja, Godfrey confirmed his intention to pursue DNA testing. "The matter is in court and the court will decide after the DNA results what needs to happen," he said.
However, Dingaan's children have chosen not to comment publicly on the matter, leaving the legal battle to unfold within the confines of the courtroom. The case promises to be a lengthy and emotionally charged affair, with significant implications for the future of Dingaan Thobela's legacy and the well-being of his children.
The upcoming court proceedings are highly anticipated, not only by the family but also by the wider South African public, who have followed Dingaan Thobela's boxing career with keen interest.
