Chivayo’s Ex-Wife Seeks US$25 Million Settlement, US$40k Monthly Maintenance
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo is facing major financial demands from his former wife, Sonja Madzikanda, who is reportedly seeking a multi-million dollar settlement as part of their ongoing divorce dispute.
According to court documents, Madzikanda is asking for a US$25 million once-off payment, US$40,000 in monthly spousal maintenance, and several high-end vehicles, including three Rolls-Royce models, from Chivayo.
The claims surfaced in an urgent application filed by Chivayo at the High Court’s Family Division, where he is seeking temporary access to the couple’s two children. The children — a son born in January 2018 and a daughter born in March 2019 — are currently at the centre of the legal battle.
Chivayo is requesting a court order allowing him to see the children on alternating weeks, including weekends, as well as sharing school holidays, birthdays and major public or religious holidays.
In a separate legal filing submitted earlier this year through Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, Madzikanda argues that the couple entered into a valid customary law marriage around July 2017, with lobola negotiations completed.
She maintains that even though the marriage was not formally registered, it still falls under Zimbabwe’s Marriages Act, meaning it can only be dissolved through a court process. Because of this, she argues that the traditional divorce gesture known as gupuro, reportedly paid in early 2024, does not legally end the marriage.
Madzikanda says the Matrimonial Causes Act should therefore apply, giving her the right to claim a share of assets accumulated during the marriage.
Beyond the US$25 million lump sum and monthly maintenance, she is also seeking US$1 million per year for holidays and leisure activities for herself and the children.
Her court papers further request ownership of several properties allegedly linked to the couple, including a stand in Gletwyn Township, a unit at Rikitayi Villas in Ballantyne Park, and an apartment at DaVinci Suites in Sandton, South Africa.
In addition, she is asking for seven vehicles from the marital estate. These include three Rolls-Royce models (Spectre, Ghost and Phantom), a Range Rover, a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a Mercedes-Benz Maybach, and a Lexus SUV.
Madzikanda also wants Chivayo to fully cover the children’s needs, including education up to tertiary level, extracurricular activities, international medical insurance, unlimited internet access and seasonal clothing allowances.
However, Chivayo — represented by Mpofu Mazhata Chambers — has strongly challenged the claims, describing them as excessive and lacking legal basis.
His lawyers argue that the customary union was never formally registered within the period required by law, meaning it does not qualify for spousal maintenance or division of property.
They also claim that Madzikanda effectively ended the relationship by paying gupuro, which they say terminated any remaining marital claims.
Chivayo’s legal team further insists that the properties and vehicles being claimed were acquired without any financial contribution from Madzikanda. They argue that he has no obligation to financially support a former partner who voluntarily ended the relationship.
The court has yet to deliver its ruling on the application for interim access to the children.
