High Court in Pretoria to Rule on Mabuza’s R44m Estate Battle Next Tuesday
The Pretoria High Court is set to deliver judgment next Tuesday, 30 September 2025, in the heated legal fight over the late former Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza’s R44.7 million estate. At the core is a living annuity, with Mabuza’s daughter Tamara Silinda seeking to block its payout to the nominated beneficiary, claiming it should be shared among all dependents under pension laws. This comes amid revelations from court papers that Mabuza was never officially married, sparking claims from two women asserting customary unions.
Mabuza, who died in July 2025 at age 64 after a short illness, left behind a complex family setup with children from different mothers, all vying for a slice of his fortune.
The case highlights tricky issues around customary marriages, pension distributions, and family rights in South Africa, where blended families are common. As the nation reflects on Heritage Day, the dispute serves as a reminder of how unresolved family matters can complicate legacies, urging clearer estate planning to protect loved ones.
Urgent Bid by Daughter to Halt Payout
Tamara Silinda, 24, brought an urgent application to the Pretoria High Court to stop Alexander Forbes from releasing the R44.7 million living annuity to Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, listed as the sole beneficiary.  Tamara argues that under Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act, the funds should be distributed among all Mabuza’s dependents, not just the nominee.  She wants the money held in an interest-bearing account until the estate is wound up, fearing early payout would harm other family members. 
Court papers show Tamara claims her mother, Emunah Silinda, was Mabuza’s customary wife, making her a spouse entitled to benefits.  However, Mabuza’s death certificate lists him as never married, complicating these assertions.  Mnisi, who also claims a longstanding customary marriage, opposes the bid, insisting she is the rightful beneficiary. 
The judge reserved judgment after hearing arguments, with a ruling due next week.  This follows a postponed hearing, now escalated for full review. 
Family Claims and Pension Law at Stake
Mabuza’s family includes several biological children from different mothers, all of whom he supported during his life. Advocate Doctor Sibuyi, representing other children, argued against rushing the payout. “All the children were supported by Mabuza when he was alive; it can’t be allowed that they are now dependent on the state. We are happy that the money is still with Alexander Forbes. The only competing view today is that the respondent is saying that the money needs to be paid to her. And we are saying that, ‘No, the money cannot be paid to her’. The money should remain with Alexander Forbes.”
Sibuyi stressed that a nomination form cannot override pension law. “The issue that is before us here is that we are coming before this honourable court this morning to say, court, we need you to determine the money, which is about 44 million, that belongs to the deceased, which we were informed that there is a nomination form. That nomination form has since been given to us late yesterday, I think by the respondent, it would be Alexander Forbes, which there is the nominated person, and the nominated person being the first respondent.
“And we are saying to this, we are coming to this honourable court to pray, to put a prayer, to say, my Lord, the determination of that money should be in accordance with Section 37. And section 37 limits the testamentary freedom of a member at which he has nominated a person. And our departure from that is that the court has to consider that the nominated person is not the only dependent, which is the factor that the honourable court has already raised.”
Under Section 37C, pension funds must identify and fairly distribute benefits to all dependents, not just nominees, within 12 months of death.  This protects widows, children, and others reliant on the deceased, overriding any will or nomination if unfair. 
Mabuza’s Legacy and Family Dynamics
Mabuza, a key ANC figure and former Mpumalanga premier, amassed wealth through politics and business. His estate includes the annuity from his deputy presidential pension, sparking the feud. Court docs reveal no official marriage, but customary claims from Mnisi and Emunah Silinda add layers.
Tamara, acting for herself and possibly others, fears exclusion if funds go solely to Mnisi. The family wants a full dependent probe before any release.
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