His personal staff, political home and various institutions of learning – all were remembered in the will of South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon, former President Nelson Mandela.

The executors of Madiba’s estate revealed the contents of this final will and testament, and the management of his estate - to his family at the the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s offices in Houghton, Johannesburg, before informing the public shortly after.

Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who first met Madiba on Robben Island in 1963 where they were both imprisoned, Madiba's long-time friend advocate George Bizos and Eastern Cape Judge President Themba Sangoni, who worked on Madiba’s legal matters – were named as executors of the will.

Reading the will, Moseneke said R46-million was the estimated provisional value of Mandela's assets.

In his will, Mandela acknowledged and bestowed to various staff members, including his former PA Zelda le Grange and his personal chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya, among other employees. He left them R50 000 each.

Ndoyiya said she was happy and emotional because she had not expected anyone to do this for her.

"I got the shock of my life that he remembered me. I took him as my father than an employer and this shocked me because it shows that he also took me like his own child and for that I will be eternally greatful," Ndoyiya told SAnews.

The former statesman, who valued education, bequeathed sums of R100 000 to schools and institutions he attended, including the University of Fort Hare, Wits University, Qunu Secondary School and Orlando West High School.

In the will, Mandela stipulated that these institutions and schools should use the money towards bursaries.

Mandela bequeathed R1.5-million to the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Family Trust. A minimum of 10% and maximum of 30% of the royalties of the trust will go to the African National Congress (ANC). According to the will, the ANC should  use the royalties at the discretion of the ANC executive to spread principles and policies of the party dating back to its formation.

ANC Treasurer General Zweli Mkhize welcomed the will, saying it shows Madiba's dedication to the movement tasked with the betterment of the lives of the people in the country.

Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel, were married in community of property.  But Moseneke said she has 90 days to indicate is she elects to inherit according to the will or 50% of the estate as per the marriage terms.

Mandela also made provision for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Moseneke said the reading of the will went well, and that he was not aware of any contestation in terms of the will, which Mandela made on 12 October 2004 with codicils in 2005 and 2008.

"Like in any family, reading a will is always charged with emotion, but it went well," said Moseneke.

The executors have appointed two firms of attorneys to wind up the estate.

The iconic leader died on December 5 last year at the age of 95 after a long stay in hospital. He had been suffering from recurring lung infections over the past few years.