JOHANNESBURG - An interim curator has been appointed to ensure that the late Deputy President David Mabuza’s children receive maintenance, assistance and payments for tertiary education.
The move comes after concerns were raised about their access to his estate.
Family lawyer Doctor Sibuye said they approached the court on an urgent basis, with the main issue before it being that Tamara Silinda, the daughter of the late Deputy President David Mabuza who had outstanding tuition fees that needed to be paid.
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He said she required financial assistance, and the only way to access funds was through a court application for the appointment of an interim curator.
“Indeed, we were seeking assistance from the court to direct the Master to appoint an interim curator to release such money and such property out of the estate as, in his opinion, are sufficient to provide for the subsistence of the deceased’s family or household. This is not new,” Sibuye said.
He described the development as a victory for the Mabuza family, saying they have not had any relief since the former deputy president’s death.
However, the family is not yet out of the woods, with other matters still due to be heard in court.
The first relates to an Alexander Forbes R44.7 million pension payout that was meant to go to Mabuza's widow, Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi which has been halted.
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The court heard that Mabuza had wanted to update the beneficiaries on his annuity fund before his death but never finished the process.
That missing step became central in the court battle over his estate.
Mnisi, who received a marriage certificate after Mabuza’s death, claimed she’s the sole beneficiary.
But Mabuza’s daughter Tamara Silinda challenged the claim.
Another legal battle concerns validity of his marriage to Emunah Silinda.