Two women claiming to be widows of South Africa's former Deputy President David Mabuza will battle in court over his estate after he died in July at age 64. The Mbombela High Court scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2026, following disputes about a pension fund worth 44.7 million rand and property holdings. Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi lived with Mabuza at their Barberton property and accompanied him to government functions during his time as a national leader. Emunah Silinda emerged after his death, claiming she held a valid customary marriage and deserved inheritance rights along with her daughter Tamara.
Judge Johannes Roelofse issued an order in September preventing Mnisi from collecting pension payments through administrator Alexander Forbes until the dispute resolved. The judge encouraged both parties to settle outside the courtroom and warned that family inheritance conflicts typically create lasting damage. Both women rejected that advice and will present evidence about their marriage claims and asset entitlements next year. The dispute reveals complications around estate management for government officials and raises questions about which marriage type carries legal weight when multiple relationships exist.
Judge Johannes Roelofse issued an order in September preventing Mnisi from collecting pension payments through administrator Alexander Forbes until the dispute resolved. The judge encouraged both parties to settle outside the courtroom and warned that family inheritance conflicts typically create lasting damage. Both women rejected that advice and will present evidence about their marriage claims and asset entitlements next year. The dispute reveals complications around estate management for government officials and raises questions about which marriage type carries legal weight when multiple relationships exist.
