Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
A HARARE woman has secured an increase in child maintenance after successfully applying for an upward variation, citing changed circumstances.
Magdalene Singano approached the Harare Civil Court seeking an upward variation of maintenance from US$60 to US$200 from her former partner, Gift Singano, arguing that he was failing to contribute towards school fees for their child, who is now in secondary school.
“The existing maintenance is no longer adequate, our child is now in secondary school, Gift refuses to contribute towards school fees despite promising to do so,” she said
Gift opposed the application, arguing that Magdalene had other sources of income. He claimed she collected rent from five rooms and suggested that they should meet halfway. He maintained that he could only continue paying the US$60 initially ordered.
“I am offering to keep paying the US$60, nothing more,” he said.
However, Magdalene dismissed his claims, saying the maintenance amount was set on the understanding that Gift would also cover school fees, which he has not done.
She also disputed his assertions about rental income.
“I do not know the house he is talking about. The one-roomed house we have in Hopley is currently occupied by our son,” she told the court.
Magdalene further alleged that their relationship ended due to Gift’s infidelity, recounting an incident where he left to stay with another woman and later returned with money in an attempt to apologise.
She added that Gift is employed as an attendant at the City Council, although she said she was unaware of his current earnings since he allegedly moved in with another partner.
In response, Gift denied the allegations and told the court that he had previously built a house for Magdalene in Stoneridge using borrowed funds, adding that he no longer benefits from the property.
Presiding Magistrate Johanna Mukwesehe ruled that there had been a change in circumstances warranting a review of the maintenance order.
She granted an upward variation to US$80 per month.
“Maintenance is the responsibility of both parents,” she said in her ruling.
