Undenge ordered to maintain daughter (18)

Prosper Dembedza Court Reporter
Finance and Economic Planning Deputy Minister Samuel Undenge was yesterday ordered to pay US$350 for the upkeep of his 18-year-old daughter. The maintenance was suspended in May after the daughter attained the age of majority.
Harare magistrate Ms Babra Masinire ordered Undenge to pay the US$350 starting end of this month to Miss Bongai Undenge.

In addition, Undenge was ordered to pay school fees and examination fees for Bongai.

In her submissions Bongai, through her lawyer Ms Rumbidzai Venge, said she wanted continuation of maintenance since the pre-existing order had lapsed because she had turned 18.

“Her mother Angeline Undenge previously made an application for variation upwards of the maintenance order which was granted in favour of her young brother,” Ms Venge said, adding that her client’s expenses exceeded US$400 monthly.

“I believe it is just and equitable that her maintenance award be similar to that of her younger sibling who is doing Lower Six at the same school and whose circumstances are much similar,” she said.

“Furthermore, my client’s father holds a position as deputy minister and as such has the means and sufficient income to pay maintenance for her upkeep in the sum claimed.”

Deputy Minister Undenge, through lawyer Mr Farai Nyamayaro, accused his daughter of thinking that because he was in the country’s executive he could splash money around.

“He does not earn a lot of money being a civil servant. He has other responsibilities,” said Mr Nyamayaro.

“If all the children were to clamour for maintenance beyond 18 years, then he will work for maintenance all his entire life.”

The deputy minister further submitted that parents were mandated to educate their children up to Form Four and further education was optional.

In May, Deputy Minister Undenge’s ex-wife Angelina applied for extension of their daughter’s maintenance as she was still in school.

This was after magistrate Mr Tafadzwa Muvhami agreed to suspend maintenance for the girl as she had turned 18.