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Former Deputy President David Mabuza.
The daughter of the late Deputy President, David Mabuza, has filed an urgent application in the High Court in Mpumalanga to block the release of his pension fund payout to his widow, Nonhlanhla Mnisi.
Tamara Silinda claims that she is owed a portion of the R44.7 million, for her living and education expenses.
She also argues that releasing the funds to one person would be unfair as there are multiple dependents.
Silinda, who is a first-year medical student at the University of Cape Town, is from Mabuza’s previous marriage.
“Section 37 C of the pension funds act is there to ensure that when a member of a retirement fund dies before reaching the retirement age, the death benefit is directed to the people who are financially dependent on the member at the time of death. So, it creates a difference and a distinction between the dependents and nominees even by virtue of his will. Dependents in this case are given preference when it comes to the payout of his pension fund. And if the trustees consider the matter properly, she will most definitely be considered a dependent,” says Clarisa Vermaakz, Legal analyst.
