Teacher claims $8 000 is enough for child’s needs

Kundainashe Chimbi

A LOCAL school teacher has offered $25 000 for the upkeep of his three minor kids.

Wilbert Fianda was taken to the maintenance court by his former wife, Auxillia Fianda, who wanted an upward variation from $15 000 to $300 000.

He then offered $25 000, which translates to about $8 000 per child.

“I offer $25 000 because I don’t earn much from my job.

“I work at a school and that is what I can afford to pay,” he said.

Auxillia turned down the offer saying that the money was not enough.

“I can’t accept his offer because the amount is too little to sustain three children.

“He is operating a pre-school as the principal and his wife as the deputy, so he can afford the amount needed,” she said.

Wilbert argued that he only had an affair with the owner of the pre-school.

“I only have an affair with the owner of the pre-school but I am not the principal,” he said.

Asked by Harare magistrate, Sharon Mashavire, whether $8 000 can sustain a child for a month or not, he said:

“The money is enough to buy cooking oil, sugar, mealie-meal and everything needed.”

The magistrate told him to be serious with court business.

She ordered Wilbert to pay $40 000 per month plus school fees for the children.

She also advised him to prioritise the welfare of his children.