David Mabuza Pension Frozen

The Mpumalanga High Court has interdicted Alexander Forbes from paying out the R44.7-million pension of the late former Deputy President David Mabuza. Acting Judge Johannes Hendrickus Roelofse granted the interdict after Mabuza’s daughter, Tamara Silinda, requested the halt, claiming her share of the pension and wanting the payment paused until all siblings can be traced.

The court also highlighted conflicting documents regarding the pension and ordered Alexander Forbes to provide sworn evidence to clarify the nature of the funds (pension or life insurance policy) by September 26, with further hearings scheduled for September 30.

• July 3, 2025: Former Deputy President David Mabuza passes away at the age of 64.
• September 15, 2025: Mabuza’s daughter, Tamara Silinda, and her mother, Emunah Silinda, file an urgent application with the Mpumalanga High Court. Tamara requests an interdict to prevent Alexander Forbes from paying out the pension to Mabuza’s widow, Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi.
• September 17, 2025: News reports break that Tamara Silinda, with support from her mother Emunah, is challenging the disbursement of her father’s pension. Her mother claims a customary marriage to Mabuza, and Tamara seeks her rightful share as a dependent.
• September 23, 2025: The matter is heard at the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela. During the hearing, it is revealed that the R44.7 million is a personal investment (living annuity) with Alexander Forbes, not a government pension fund. The court hears of a discrepancy between the policy schedule and the policy document provided by Alexander Forbes. Judge Johannes Roelofse reserves judgment and orders Alexander Forbes to provide sworn affidavits explaining the discrepancy by September 26.
• September 24, 2025: News outlets report that the judgment has been reserved and that Judge Roelofse has ordered Alexander Forbes to explain inconsistencies in the documentation.
• September 26, 2025: Alexander Forbes files its affidavits with the court as instructed.
• September 30, 2025: Judge Roelofse grants the interdict, prohibiting Alexander Forbes from paying the R44.7 million to the widow, Nonhlanhla Mnisi. While expressing doubts about Tamara Silinda’s ultimate right to the money, the judge states his concern that the money could be lost if transferred to Mnisi. He also criticizes Alexander Forbes for its conduct in the matter, saying it acted like “Pontius Pilate” by trying to wash its hands of the issue. The matter is postponed for a full hearing at a later date, pending further investigation into all dependents and the conflicting policy documents.