By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Mpumalanga High Court has barred Alexander Forbes Financial Services from paying out R44-million pension fund of the late statesman David Mabuza pending finalisation on the matter.
Mabuza’s daughter Tamara Silinda filed an urgent application to stop Alexander Forbes from paying the pension payout to Nonhlahla Mnisi, who was the wife Mabuza.
Mabuza, who served as the country’s deputy president from February 2018 to February 2023, died on 3rd of July 2025. A copy of his death certificate, attached to documents before the court, shows that he was never married, raising questions about his union with Mnisi.
Silinda is demanding that the insurer pay her R40 000 monthly towards her basic maintenance, including clothing, transport, and medical expenses. She says she was dependent on Mabuza’s medical aid, hence her demands for her medical expenses to be covered from his pension money.
She is also demanding that Alexander Forbes pay R127 990 towards her yearly tuition fees at the University of Cape Town.
Silinda also assert that, her mother Emunah Silinda was married to Mabuza under customary law in 1999. Silinda seeks recognition of the marriage under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, which allows for posthumous registration of customary unions. She argues that the marriage was valid and subsisting at the time of Mabuza’s death, despite not being registered.
The court application has part A and B, the court must rule if it grants the interdict on disbursements of the payout, which plays a crucial role in determining who amongst Mabuza’s loved ones will be recognised as the rightful beneficiary and in another part it must determine which of his “two wives” — one citing a longstanding customary union, the other armed with a disputed posthumous marriage certificate — will be legally recognised and inherit his vast fortune.
Last week, Judge Johannes Roelofse needed clarity on whether Mabuza’s funds were invested in a life insurance policy or a pension fund.
He ordered Alexander Forbes to file affidavits explaining the discrepancies between the schedule of benefits and policy document, giving the company until 4pm on Friday, 26 September.
During today’s proceedings, Judge Roelofse questioned the role of Alexander Forbes in managing Mabuza’s pension.
“Unfortunately, after reading their affidavit, I am not entirely convinced how this money morphed from protected pension funds to no protection. That will have to be explained in Part B of the notice of motion,” he said, adding that Alexander Forbes would have to pay the costs of last week’s proceedings.
Roelofse granted an interim order halting the disbursement of the payout pending finalisation of the matter.
The judge said he weighed up the decision to grant an interim order “to preserve the status quo” until the paperwork could be closely scrutinised.
He also urged the Mabuza family to consider reconciliation.
“In my career as a judge, I have seen how these cases destroy families, causing more pain… which might not be the wish of the deceased person. I would like to plead with the Mabuza family to talk to each other and find a common ground.”
Mabuza’s death shocked many, leading to tributes from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who praised his contributions to reconciliation.