By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A mother of three has been granted child maintenance after telling the court that her children have been forced out of school due to unpaid fees and worsening financial hardship.
Nyunyutai Chafa on Monday January 19, 2026 appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni seeking $210 per month in maintenance from Joram Makaza for their three children aged 17, 14, and 13.
Chafa told the court that she struggles to survive through informal trading, earning about R1,500 per month, which she said is barely enough to cover food, rent, and basic needs.
Chafa revealed that her situation had become so dire that two of her children, one who is in Form Four, has stopped attending school, while another one who should be starting Form One has also failed to enroll due to outstanding school fees at the previous primary school.
“I can no longer manage on my own. My children are suffering,” she told the court.
She further stated that Makaza has been working at a mine for the past 10 years and earns about $300 per month, adding that he has no other wife or children and therefore should take full responsibility for their offspring.
Makaza, however, disputed the claim, telling the court that he earns only $100 per month and has been sending money to Chafa every month, although he failed to provide any proof of these payments.
After hearing both sides, the court ruled in favour of the children and ordered Makaza to pay $75 per month, payable before the end of every month, towards the upkeep of the minors.