Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
The High Court has finalised the controversial divorce case between flamboyant Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his estranged wife, Sonja Louise Madzikanda, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle that frequently spilled over into the public domain.
The settlement, granted in consent order before Justice Tsanga on Thursday, includes a US$5 million maintenance package and a comprehensive parenting plan for the couple’s minor children.
This court order effectively concludes a period of intense public scrutiny following numerous social media exchanges between the two.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mr Chivayo is to pay a lump sum of US$5 million into a bank account controlled by Ms. Madzikanda; however, the businessman will have oversight of the operation of the said account. The settlement terms state that US$2.2 million has already been paid, with the remaining US$2.8 million to be settled within 30 days.
“The respondent shall pay for all the living expenses of the minor children from the proceeds of the investment amounts receivable,” Justice Tsanga said.
“The parties record that for a period of 12 months from the date of the transfer, the applicant (Chivayo) shall solely be responsible for all reasonable living expenses of the minor children, to enable the respondent to establish and build the investment portfolio.”
The order further stipulates: “Upon expiry of the said 12 months, the parties agree that the reasonable living expenses of the minor children shall, to the extent possible, be funded from the returns and/or profits generated from the investment, provided that such returns are sufficient to meet the expenses.”
While Ms Madzikanda was awarded primary residence, the court established a rigorous co-parenting framework. Mr. Chivayo is entitled to access for one uninterrupted week per month, all weekends, and alternate public holidays.
A specific clause in the order mandates that during his week of access, Mr Chivayo must be “personally available and present” and is prohibited from delegating his parental responsibilities to third parties.
“The applicant shall be entitled, on his birthday, to have contact with the minor children if that day does not fall on the weekend when the applicant is entitled to contact and access.
The minor children shall spend Father’s Day with the applicant. If Father’s Day does not fall over the applicant’s scheduled weekend, the applicant may collect the minor children on Father’s Day and drop them at the respondent’s residence by the end of the day,” Justice Tsanga added.
The order also seeks to professionalise future interactions between the parties, stipulating that any future disputes must be resolved through mediation or via their respective attorneys before approaching the courts.
Regarding the division of assets, the court ruled that the proprietary consequences of the termination of the union will be adjudicated under a separate case, HCHF 62/2026. Both parties were ordered to bear their own legal costs.
