Court Finalises Chivayo–Madzikanda Divorce With US$5 Million Settlement

By Staff Reporter
The High Court has officially concluded the divorce settlement between Wicknell Chivayo and his estranged wife Sonja Louise Madzikanda, ordering a payment of US$5 million along with a structured co-parenting arrangement for their children.

The ruling, delivered on 10 April 2026 by Justice Amy Tsanga, followed weeks of legal negotiations. The agreement was finalised through a consent order, meaning both parties accepted the terms set by the court.

Settlement Details

The court confirmed that Chivayo must pay a total of US$5 million. Of this amount, US$2.2 million has already been paid, while the remaining US$2.8 million must be settled within 30 days.

The funds will be deposited into an account managed by Madzikanda, although Chivayo will retain oversight. The money is intended to support the welfare of their minor children, including living expenses and future financial stability through investments.

For the first 12 months after the transfer, Madzikanda will cover all reasonable living expenses for the children. This arrangement is designed to allow time for the investment funds to grow. After this period, the children’s expenses are expected to be funded, as far as possible, from returns generated by the investment.

Parenting Arrangements

The court granted Madzikanda primary custody of the children, while Chivayo was given defined access rights.

He is entitled to spend time with the children on his birthday if it does not fall within his usual access schedule. The children will also spend Father’s Day with him, regardless of the regular visitation calendar.

Importantly, the court ruled that Chivayo must personally care for the children during his visitation periods and cannot delegate this responsibility to others.

From US$25 Million Claim to Final Agreement

The settlement comes after Madzikanda initially sought US$25 million, US$40,000 in monthly maintenance, and several high-value assets, including properties and luxury vehicles.

Chivayo contested these demands, describing them as excessive. His legal team argued that he should not be treated as a lifelong financial provider beyond reasonable obligations.

While the US$5 million agreement brings closure to the maintenance dispute, the division of other assets will be addressed separately in ongoing legal proceedings.

Both parties have been ordered to cover their own legal costs.