Flamboyant Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been ordered by the High Court to pay US$5 million to his estranged wife, Sonja Louise Madzikanda, in a high-profile divorce settlement that has drawn widespread attention.
The ruling, handed down in Harare, forms part of a consent agreement between the two parties, effectively resolving a long-running dispute over child maintenance and custody.
According to court documents, the $5 million payment is structured as a lump-sum maintenance package for the couple’s minor children.
A portion of the funds, about US$2.2 million has already been paid, while the remaining balance is expected to be settled within 30 days.
The money will be deposited into an account controlled by Madzikanda, although Chivayo will retain oversight of how the funds are managed. The arrangement is designed to secure the children’s long-term welfare through investment returns.
The court also ruled on custody, granting Madzikanda primary residence of the children, while both parents retain full parental rights.
Chivayo has been awarded structured access, including weekend visits, one uninterrupted week each school month and special access during occasions such as Father’s Day
The ruling further requires him to personally spend time with the children during access periods and not delegate parental responsibilities to third parties.
While the US$5 million agreement settles the immediate custody and maintenance dispute, the broader divorce case remains unresolved.
Madzikanda had initially sought a significantly larger settlement, reportedly demanding: $25 million lump sum, monthly maintenance payments and a share of luxury assets and properties
These claims are still subject to separate legal proceedings, meaning the financial and property division aspect of the divorce is yet to be fully determined.
The case stems from the breakdown of the couple’s relationship, which had already been under public scrutiny due to social media exchanges and legal filings.
Wicknell Chivayo is a Zimbabwean businessman known for his involvement in high-value government-linked infrastructure and energy projects, as well as his highly public lifestyle and controversial business dealings.
He is the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company that has secured major state contracts, including widely discussed solar and power projects that have attracted both legal scrutiny and public debate.
Chivayo is frequently in the spotlight due to allegations surrounding procurement processes, court disputes, and his flashy display of wealth on social media. He’s also built a reputation for philanthropy, often making large donations to churches, individuals, and public institutions.
Beyond Zimbabwe, Chivayo has also engaged in regional networking, including meetings with political and business leaders in Africa. Notably, he has met Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, reflecting his efforts to expand influence and connections across the region.
