Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
A mother’s struggle to keep her children in school led to a maintenance court battle that tested the financial claims of both parents.
Ms Emily Chiwandi took her former partner, Mr Talent Mhute, to the Harare Civil Court seeking US$300 per month for the upkeep of their two children, aged 17 and 10.
Ms Chiwandi said her priority was school fees, describing her income as a vendor as too little to meet the children’s educational needs.
She told the court that the older child requires US$200 in school fees per term, while the younger one needs US$100.
She said she owes fees to her children’s schools, US$450 for the elder child and US$300 for the younger child.
“I am failing to keep up,” Ms Chiwandi said. “The debt is growing and my older child writes O-Levels next year. I need help.”
In response, Mr Mhute said he was a tout at Copacabana terminus and makes about US$7 a day.
He argued that he could not afford to pay US$300 because he also supports his pregnant wife and pays US$60 monthly rent.
Mr Mhute offered US$60 per month and volunteered to pay school fees for one child.
“I have a lot on my shoulders with little income, I can only afford fees for one child,” he said.
Ms Chiwandi said she was willing to compromise on the condition that he pays fees for the older child, who requires more support.
But Mr Mhute said the US$200 needed the elder child is still beyond his means, offering instead to pay US$150.
After hearing both parties, the presiding magistrate ordered Mr Mhute to pay US$50 monthly maintenance and US$150 towards the elder child’s school fees, with the order taking effect on December 31.
