The High Court has ordered businessman Wicknell Chivayo to pay his estranged wife Sonja Louise Madzikanda US$5 million (approximately R92 million) after finalising their highly publicised divorce settlement.
The settlement, granted on Thursday, 10 April 2026, before High Court judge Justice Amy Tsanga, includes a multi-million-dollar maintenance package and a detailed co-parenting arrangement for the couple’s minor children.
The ruling follows weeks of intense legal exchanges after Sonja Madzikanda had previously demanded US$25 million (approximately R460 million), US$40,000 (approximately R736,000) monthly maintenance and several luxury vehicles as part of divorce proceedings filed earlier in 2026.
High Court Finalises US$5 Million Settlement
According to The Herald, the High Court confirmed that the matter was resolved through a consent order agreed to by both parties.
Justice Tsanga outlined how the payment would be structured and how the funds would be managed.
“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 court further clarified that a portion of the funds had already been paid.
“The parties record that for a period of 12 months from the date of the transfer, the applicant 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 ruling also confirmed that US$2.2 million (approximately R40.5 million) had already been paid, while the remaining US$2.8 million (approximately R51.5 million) must be settled within 30 days.
The High Court further ruled:
“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.”
The order also stated that the funds would be deposited into a bank account controlled by Madzikanda, although Chivayo will retain oversight of the account.
Strict Parenting Plan Introduced
The High Court also introduced a structured parenting arrangement for the couple’s children.
Madzikanda was granted primary residence of the children, while Chivayo was awarded significant access rights.
According to the court order:
“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 ruling also included Father’s Day provisions.
“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.”
The court further ruled that Chivayo must personally spend time with the children during his access period and cannot delegate parenting duties to third parties.
From US$25 Million Claim To US$5 Million Settlement
The ruling comes after Madzikanda filed a major divorce claim in March 2026, seeking US$25 million (approximately R460 million), US$40,000 (approximately R736,000) in monthly maintenance, and luxury assets.
Court documents also revealed that she sought ownership of multiple properties, seven luxury vehicles and full coverage for the children’s education and lifestyle expenses.
Chivayo opposed the claims, arguing in court papers that the demands were excessive.
His lawyer, Silvester Hashiti, stated:
“Defendant is not her meal-ticket for life.”
Chivayo also sought court intervention over access to their two minor children, arguing he had been denied contact.
“Lost birthdays, milestones and daily interactions are irrecoverable. The prejudice is ongoing and cumulative,” Chivayo stated in his affidavit.
The High Court ruling on 10 April 2026 now brings closure to the divorce maintenance dispute, although the division of assets will be handled separately under case number HCHF 62/2026.
Both parties were also ordered to bear their own legal costs.
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