Online Reporter
Spiwe Sarakunze
Herald Reporter
A MAN from Harare has offered US$10 in maintenance per child, arguing that he cannot afford to support his five minor children, who are in the custody of their mother.
Self-described as a hustler relying on irregular informal jobs, Onias Nyandoro stated in court that this amount represents the maximum he can manage given his circumstances.
His ex-wife, Ms Gertrude Tigere, dismissed the US$10 offer not only as unreasonable, but also an insult to the realities of raising five children.
Ms Tigere is seeking US$500 in monthly maintenance, arguing that the childrens’ needs far exceed Nyandoro’s proposal.
Standing confidently in court, Ms Tigere expressed her struggle to manage the burden alone.
“These are his children just as much as they are mine. I want him to take responsibility,” she said.
Ms Tigere highlighted the costs associated with food, transport, clothing, medical needs and school expenses, saying they surpass by far the proposed maintenance.
“I just want them to have a fair chance since they did not choose to be born into struggle,” she added, reflecting her exhaustion as a single parent.
Nyandoro defended his offer, insisting it was sincere and not intended to disrespect Ms Tigere.
“I hustle, and I don’t have a stable income. Some months I sell something, some months I don’t. The US$10 per child is all I can manage,” he said.
Nyandoro expressed concern that a higher obligation would lead to defaulting, something he wanted to avoid.
He reiterated that the economic climate makes it difficult for him to provide more support.
Ms Tigere strongly countered Nyandoro’s reasoning, stating that the children’s welfare cannot depend on their father’s inconsistent income.
“Children don’t stop eating because he didn’t make money that month. I am the one who wakes up every day to ensure they go to school, that they are fed, and that they have clothes.
“I cannot keep struggling alone. This is basic survival for five children,” she argued.
Ms Tigere noted that some of the children are young and require constant supervision and care, and highlighted the increasing difficulty of paying school fees.
After considering both sides, the magistrate acknowledged Nyandoro’s financial difficulties but said he has a legal and moral obligation to adequately support his children.
The court ruled that Nyandoro’s offer of US$10 per child was insufficient, given the realities of raising five children in the current economic climate.
He was ordered to pay US$250 in monthly maintenance, a sum the court deemed more appropriate.
In addition, the court stipulated that Nyandoro must pay 50 percent of the school fees directly to the children’s school bank account, ensuring the funds are used strictly for education.
Magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed warned Nyandoro that failing to comply with these requirements could result in jail time.
