A R44 million estate dispute involving the family of the late David Mabuza, former South African deputy president, has escalated to the High Court, where competing inheritance claims are being heard.

According to legal filings, multiple parties are contesting ownership of assets tied to Mabuza’s estate, including properties, business interests, and cash investments. The dispute has raised questions about the management of the estate and the validity of certain claims lodged by beneficiaries.

Family tensions reportedly deepened following disagreements over distribution, with some heirs arguing that they have been unfairly excluded from the estate’s allocations. The matter has now moved beyond private arbitration and will be decided in court.

Legal experts say that such high-value inheritance disputes are not uncommon in South Africa, especially when public figures or politically connected individuals are involved. They note that the court’s ruling could set important precedents for estate law and succession disputes in the country.

The High Court proceedings are expected to draw significant public interest, given Mabuza’s prominence in South Africa’s political and business landscape.