MSU student awarded just $60 a month in $280 maintenance bid against soldier baby daddy

A Midlands State University (MSU) media  student appeared before the Harare Civil Court seeking maintenance from the father of her three-year-old child, whom she accused of failing to adequately support the minor.

Felistas Tavarera stated that she was seeking US$280 per month for the upkeep of the child. She said she was a student and survived on a student employment programme which paid her US$40 per month.

Tavarera told the court that the child's father, Nigel Moyo, was a soldier earning a monthly salary and was in a better position to contribute towards the child's welfare. She said the maintenance claim covered food, clothing and school-related expenses for the child. Tavarera further alleged that Moyo ended their relationship after learning that she was diabetic.

In response, Moyo told the court that he had not refused to support the child but disagreed with enrolling the child in school at the current age. "I did not refuse to pay school fees. I only said the child should start school when he reaches the right age," he said. Moyo also told the court that he did not have any other family responsibilities.

The Magistrates urged the parties to put aside their differences and focus on the welfare and future of the child.The court ordered Moyo to pay US$60 per month, or the equivalent in ZiG, towards the maintenance of the child until the age of 18.The magistrate further ruled that Moyo would be responsible for paying school fees once the child is formally enrolled at school.