Rising school fees, food prices and other household expenses continue to drive applications for increased child maintenance, with the Harare Civil Court ordering a higher monthly maintenance payment for two children after their mother argued that the previous amount no longer met their needs.
Belinda Chari appeared before the Harare Civil Court seeking an increase in child maintenance from US$50 to US$300 per month for her two children.
She told the court that one of the children suffers from anaemia and that the rising cost of food and rent had placed additional financial pressure on the family.
Chari also said school fees had increased due to rising fuel prices and inflation.
"The school fees have increased due to the rise in fuel prices and inflation," she said.
In response, Amos Sibanda argued that the amount being sought was too high.
Related Stories
He told the court he was willing to pay US$70 per month for the two children.
Sibanda said he earns US$200 and ZiG1,000 per month and also pays maintenance for his other four children.
He added that he spends US$3 a day on transport, amounting to US$112 per month.
"I also take care of my other four children. The money I get from work is also used for transport," he said.
The magistrate said it is the responsibility of both parents to provide for their children.
The court ordered Sibanda to pay US$100 per month, or the equivalent in ZiG, for the maintenance of the two children with effect from July 31, 2026.
Leave Comments