Just months after South Africa bid farewell to late deputy president David “DD” Mabuza, tensions within his family have begun to surface.
Instead of unity during mourning, a bitter dispute over his multimillion-rand estate has spilled into the public eye, drawing both legal action and social media debate.
The Pension at the Centre of the Storm
At the heart of the conflict is Mabuza’s reported R44.7 million pension payout, a sum that has quickly become a point of contention among his loved ones.
The money, which was expected to provide for his dependents, is now the subject of a heated legal battle.
Daughter Pushes Back in Court
Mabuza’s daughter, Tamara Silinda, has taken a dramatic step by filing an urgent application in the High Court.
She’s seeking to prevent financial services provider Alexander Forbes from paying the full pension to Mabuza’s widow, Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi.
In her application, Tamara claims her father was also married to her mother, Emunah Silinda, under customary law.
She argues that the funds are not only rightfully shared but also essential for covering her school fees, monthly allowance, and accommodation costs.
Questions Over Marriage and Legality
The case has become even more complicated after investigative journalist Mzilikazi wa Afrika revealed details from Mabuza’s death certificate, which reportedly states that the former deputy president was never legally married.
If confirmed, this could fundamentally shift how the court decides who qualifies as a beneficiary.
When Will the Court Decide?
The urgent matter is expected to be heard next Tuesday, where the High Court will determine whether the pension payout can move forward or needs to be put on hold while the family dispute plays out.
Public Reaction: Shock, Sympathy, and Questions
News of the feud has stirred strong emotions online.
Many South Africans have expressed sadness and frustration, noting how money often divides families after the passing of a loved one.
One user wrote, “Wow, this is gonna be the longest road ever.”
Another questioned whether Mabuza left behind a will at all, while others wondered how such a massive pension pot could exist when he reportedly sought medical help abroad instead of locally.
What This Means for the Family
For now, the Mabuza family remains caught between grief and legal wrangling.
As the court date approaches, all eyes will be on whether Tamara’s urgent application shifts the balance of the inheritance battle — or whether the fight drags on, deepening the divisions within the family.