The R44.7 million Mabuza estate battle: when a financial decision changes everything

THE legal battle over the late former deputy president David Mabuza's R44.7 million pension has taken a dramatic turn, revealing how a single retirement decision can override decades of protective legislation designed to safeguard dependants.

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David Mabuza. | GCIS

This case serves as a stark warning about the financial and legal complexities that can devastate families when estate planning is inadequate.

On October 1, 2025, Judge Johannes Hendrickus Roelofse, of the Mpumalanga High Court, granted an urgent interdict halting distribution of Mabuza's R44.7 million to Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, who was named as sole beneficiary (TimesLive, October 1, 2025).

The application was brought by Mabuza's daughter, Tamara Silinda, who was excluded despite being one of her father's dependants. At the heart of this dispute are two women claiming spousal rights: Emunah Silinda, asserting a customary marriage since 1999, and Mnisi, who produced a marriage certificate the Silinda family alleged was issued after Mabuza's death in July 2025.

Critically, Silinda and her mother submitted a Department of Home Affairs document stating Mabuza was not married at the time of death.

Emunah Silinda claims she married Mabuza under customary law in August 1999 and gave birth to Tamara in October 2000. Although separated at death, she maintains their marriage was never dissolved (SowetanLive, September 18, 2025).

Advocate Doctor Sibuyi presented compelling evidence that Mabuza intended to change his nominations.

An Alexforbes email dated September 11 confirmed: "We had a recent discussion with David (DD Mabuza).

He wanted to change the beneficiaries, and we did send him the paperwork. He mentioned he wanted to nominate his children."

Tragically, Mabuza died before completing the forms (TimesLive, October 1, 2025).

However, Alexforbes dropped a bombshell that fundamentally changed the legal landscape: upon retiring in early 2023, Mabuza transferred his entire pension from the Political Office Bearers Pension Fund to purchase a living annuity from Alexforbes - an insurance product, not a retirement fund (