Mandela's family rows over house

Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela has won alegal battle to evict a distant cousin who had been staying in a familyhome in Soweto since 1991.

Emma Ngcongolo had said Mandla Mandela's father had promised to give it to her after his death in 2005.

But the Gauteng housing adjudication board ruled that a "promise" could not constitute a transfer of ownership.

The Mandelas have promise to ensure that Ms Ngcongolo and her family are not left destitute.

I am not celebrating because there is nothing to celebrate; however, I am relieved that the court finally settled the dispute

"I am disappointed," Ms Ngcongololo tearfully told reporters after the ruling.

Theunemployed woman had testified that she had been living in the housefor 18 years with her husband, a construction worker, and two sons.

"ThoughI have sympathy with the Ngcongolo family for wanting to continue tostay in our family house, it was my father's wish that the house berestored to the family and that it be available to any of his childrenwho may want to occupy it," said Mandla Mandela.

"I am notcelebrating because there is nothing to celebrate; however, I amrelieved that the court finally settled the dispute," he said.