SOUTH AFRICA: PRESIDENT MANDELA REPORTED TO BE SEEKING A DIVORCE

(17 Aug 1995) Natural Sound South African president Nelson Mandela is to reported to be divorcing his wife Winnie. A local radio station said a lawyer had been instructed by Mandela to begin divorce proceedings. A divorce would bring to an conclude a tempestuous relationship between South Africa's most famous couple. It was presidential business for Mandela today playing host to Iranian foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati despite reports that he preparing to nullify his 37 year marriage. Mandela refused to answer questions about reports by a South African radio station that he had instructed a lawyer to initiate divorce proceedings against his estranged wife Winnie. South Africa's most famous marriage began in 1958. Shortly afterwards, Mandela was jailed for his part in the anti-apartheid movement. By his release in 1990, Winnie had become an embarrassment. Her conviction in the kidnapping of four youths by her followers - one of whom was subsequently found beaten to death - and allegations of corruption, put her relationship with Mandela under severe strain. Public displays of affection became more and more rare and her husband finally sacked her from her ministerial post earlier this year. Loved by the younger radicals and despised by moderates, Winnie remains one of the most controversial figures in the new South Africa. For those involved in the long struggle against apartheid, the crumbling of the Mandela marriage spells the end of an era. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...