Court Orders Interim Curator for DD Mabuza’s Estate to Provide for Family

The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has intervened to ensure the family of the late former deputy president David “DD” Mabuza receives immediate financial support from his estate. Deputy Judge President Takalani Ratshibvumo has ordered the Master of the High Court in Mbombela to appoint a neutral and independent interim curator to manage urgent subsistence and educational payments.

The order follows an urgent application brought by Mabuza’s daughter, Tamara Silinda, and her mother, Emunah Silinda (formerly Ruth Funi Silinda). The applicants sought court intervention to expedite the appointment of a curator who could release funds for Tamara’s maintenance and her mother’s subsistence.

A Consensus Reached for the Benefit of All

During proceedings, lawyers for both the applicants and the estate’s representatives reached a consensus that an interim curator should be appointed for the benefit of all Mabuza’s beneficiaries. Judge Ratshibvumo made this agreement an order of the court, placing the process under the supervision of the Master.

Priority: Education and Subsistence

The judge directed the interim curator to, as a matter of priority, “consider and process the dependent children’s educational expenses and make payment to the relevant institutions within five days of his or her appointment.” This instruction highlights the urgency of ensuring ongoing education is not disrupted.

Furthermore, the curator is authorised to release sufficient money and movable property from the estate to provide for the subsistence of the deceased’s family or household, based on the availability of liquid funds.

The ruling brings a measure of structure to what is likely a complex and high-value estate, ensuring that immediate family needs are addressed while the full process of winding up the estate continues. It underscores the court’s role in protecting dependents’ interests during the often lengthy and contentious period of estate administration.