Court Halts Payout of Mabuza’s R44m Pension

The Mpumalanga High Court in has barred Alexander Forbes from releasing the late former Deputy President David Mabuza’s R44-million pension to his widow, Patience Mnisi, until the full dispute over his estate is resolved.

Judge Johannes Roelofse granted interim relief to Mabuza’s daughter, Tamara Silinda, on Tuesday, ordering that the funds be preserved until all dependents are identified and considered. At issue is whether Mnisi, nominated as the sole beneficiary on a living annuity form, is entitled to the entire sum, or whether the money should be distributed among Mabuza’s children and dependents under the Pension Funds Act.

Roelofse emphasised that the order was necessary to prevent irreparable harm. “If the money leaves the court today, it will immediately be transferred to the first respondent. Then the money is gone,” he said, directing Alexander Forbes to keep the funds in an interest-bearing account.

The court also approved interim maintenance, including R127,990 per year in tuition and R40,000 per month in living expenses for Silinda, a University of Cape Town student.

Roelofse questioned Alexander Forbes’ role in handling the pension, noting gaps in its affidavit, and ordered the company to cover legal costs. He urged the Mabuza family to reconcile, warning that legal disputes often leave “scars between family members that never heal.”

Mabuza, a former deputy president and Mpumalanga premier, died in July at 63 after a short illness. The matter, referred to as Part B, will return to court after 15 October 2025, when a decision on the pension’s final distribution will be made.