The High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgment in the case concerning the David Mabuza pension dispute.
What’s the latest in the David Mabuza pension dispute?
The case concerns a R44.7 million living annuity left behind by the late former deputy president, who passed away in July 2025 after a short illness.
At the centre of the dispute is whether the full amount should be paid to his widow, Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, who is listed as the nominated beneficiary, or divided among all of Mabuza’s children and dependents under pension law.
One of Mabuza’s daughters, Tamara Silinda, has challenged the widow’s claim.
Silinda, a first-year medical student at the University of Cape Town, told the court she had relied on her father’s financial support.
In her affidavit, she said:
“The sudden demise of my father resulted in my loss of support and basic necessities, including tuition [fees], exacerbating my financial vulnerability.”
Silinda has asked the court to grant her R40,000 per month in interim maintenance to cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
She and her mother are also disputing the validity of Mnisi’s marriage certificate. Their claim is that Mabuza was still married to Silinda’s mother under customary law, which they argue would make it impossible to register a new valid marriage after his death.
Other children of Mabuza — Mxolisi David Jr, Lindeni Innocentia, Mandisa Vanessa, Nkosinathi, Angela, and Fezile— have been listed as respondents in the case.
Legal arguments presented in court
Advocate Doctor Sibuyi, representing several of the children, argued that the R44 million payout should not go directly to Mnisi.
He said the funds should remain with insurer Alexander Forbes until the court makes a final determination.
“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,” Sibuyi told the court.
He further explained that even though Mnisi was listed as the nominated beneficiary, Section 37 of the Pension Funds Act requires that all financial dependents of the deceased must be considered.
Sibuyi argued that the nomination form could not override the law.
The judge has reserved judgment, with a decision expected on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at the Mpumalanga High Court.
The ruling will determine whether Mnisi remains the sole beneficiary or whether the payout will be shared among Mabuza’s dependents. It will also decide on Silinda’s request for monthly maintenance.
For now, the R44.7 million remains with Alexander Forbes as the family’s legal battle continues.