A 24-year-old mother from Beitbridge has been granted monthly child maintenance after approaching the courts seeking financial support for her two-year-old child.
Christine Moyo dragged Athinandava Mbedzi before the Beitbridge Civil Court, stating that Mbedzi is the biological father of her child but has been failing to provide consistent support.
In her testimony, Moyo told the court that she survives by selling goods as a street vendor, earning about R1,000 per month, which she said is not enough to meet the needs of her growing child.
“I only want the court to assist me so that the father of my child takes responsibility,” she said, requesting US$100 per month for the upkeep of the minor.
She further revealed that the respondent is employed at Beitbridge Juicing and earns over US$300 per month.
The two do not live together, and Mbedzi has another wife with whom he has another child with.
Mbedzi, however, pleaded with the court to reduce the amount, arguing that he could not afford US$100 as he earns only US$270 per month and has four other children to look after.
“I am not permanently employed. I am on a contract, and I have a family to take care of,” he said, proposing to pay US$40 instead.
The magistrate reminded both parties that maintenance orders are subject to review should either party’s financial circumstances change.
“Considering your status, if things change, whether you earn more or less, you can always come back for a review of the maintenance,” said magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni.
Moyo disputed Mbedzi’s claim that he supports his other children, stating that he only lives with one of them and has not been contributing meaningfully to her child’s upkeep.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court ruled in favour of the child, ordering Mbedzi to pay US$60 per month with immediate effect starting this January.