High Court Finalises Chivayo Divorce with US$5 Million Settlement and Parenting Plan

HARARE – The High Court has brought closure to the high-profile divorce between Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his estranged wife Sonja Louise Madzikanda, issuing a consent order that includes a US$5 million maintenance settlement and a detailed parenting arrangement for their minor children. The ruling, handed down before Justice Tsanga on Thursday, formally ends a protracted legal dispute that had drawn widespread public interest and social media commentary.

Under the terms of the agreement, Chivayo is required to pay a total of US$5 million into a bank account controlled by Madzikanda, with oversight provisions retained by the businessman. Court documents show that US$2.2 million has already been paid, while the remaining US$2.8 million must be settled within 30 days. Legal analyst Advocate Rudo Muchengeti said the structure reflects a growing trend in high-value divorce settlements.

“Lump-sum maintenance payments are increasingly being used to ensure financial certainty and reduce prolonged disputes over monthly upkeep,” she said.

The court also ordered Chivayo to cover all reasonable living expenses for the children for an initial 12-month period. This timeframe is intended to allow Madzikanda to establish an investment portfolio capable of sustaining the children’s future needs.

After the first year, the expectation is that returns from these investments will fund ongoing expenses, provided they are sufficient.

“This approach encourages financial planning and long-term sustainability, especially in high-net-worth separations,” Muchengeti added.

The consent order sets out a structured parenting plan granting Madzikanda primary residence of the children. Chivayo has been granted:

• One uninterrupted week of access per month

• Access on all weekends

• Alternating public holidays

The court emphasised that during his allocated time, Chivayo must be personally present and cannot delegate childcare responsibilities to third parties. Additional provisions include specific arrangements for birthdays and Father’s Day, with clear guidelines for same-day collection and return of the children.

Justice Tsanga directed that any future disputes between the parties must first be handled through mediation or legal representatives before approaching the courts, a move aimed at minimising further litigation. The court also noted that issues relating to the division of matrimonial property will be dealt with separately under case HCHF 62/2026. Both parties were ordered to bear their own legal costs.

The settlement marks the conclusion of one of Zimbabwe’s most closely followed divorce cases, which had been characterised by months of legal wrangling and public scrutiny.

Family law expert Dr. Nyasha Dube said the ruling highlights the importance of structured settlements in high-conflict divorces.

“Clear financial arrangements and parenting plans are essential in reducing future disputes and ensuring the welfare of children remains the priority,” she said.

With the consent order now in place, the case moves into its next phase, with property division still to be resolved.

Wicknell Chivayo divorce