Chivayo Divorce Battle Ends After Public Fallout

The High Court has brought an end to the high-profile divorce case between Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his estranged wife Sonja Louise Madzikanda.

The settlement was finalised on Thursday before Justice Tsanga, following a long legal battle that had attracted public attention, especially on social media.

As part of the agreement, Mr Chivayo will pay a total of US$5 million for maintenance. So far, US$2.2 million has already been paid, and the remaining US$2.8 million must be settled within 30 days.

The money will be deposited into a bank account controlled by Ms Madzikanda, although Mr Chivayo will have oversight of how the account is used.

The court also ruled that Mr Chivayo will cover all living expenses for the couple’s children for the next 12 months. This is meant to give Ms Madzikanda time to invest the money and build a financial portfolio. After the 12 months, the children’s expenses are expected to be paid from the returns generated by those investments, if possible.

In terms of child custody, Ms Madzikanda was granted primary residence of the children. However, the court introduced a structured co-parenting plan. Mr Chivayo will have access to the children for one full week every month, all weekends, and on alternating public holidays.

The ruling also makes it clear that during his time with the children, Mr Chivayo must be personally present and cannot leave parenting duties to someone else. He is also allowed to spend time with the children on his birthday and on Father’s Day.

To avoid further conflict, the court directed that any future disagreements between the two should first be handled through mediation or lawyers before returning to court.

The issue of how their assets will be shared will be dealt with separately under another court case. Both parties will pay their own legal costs.

This ruling officially closes a case that had been widely followed by the public and marks a new chapter for both individuals.