Man freed from maintenance yoke

**Sharon Jiyamwa **

Herald Reporter

MR WELLINGTON Washaya walked out of Harare Civil Court a relieved man after his application to be discharged from paying child maintenance to his former partner, Rumbidzai Marowa, for his son, who is now 18, was granted.

Magistrate Ms Janemary Makonye ruled that the maintenance order was no longer necessary because their son had turned 18 and was now capable of taking care of himself.

In his application, Mr Washaya had stressed that his intention was not to sever ties with his son, but rather to usher him into adulthood.

Mr Washaya assured the court that he was ready to assist his son if he required financial assistance to further his education or pursue other endeavours.

He said he would continue to play his role as a father and guide his son as he plans his future.

“If my son wants any help with his education or other things, he should feel free to reach out to me directly so we can discuss and plan how he can build his future,” Mr Washaya said.

Mr Washaya’s assurances were in response to Ms Marowa’s opposition to his application on the basis that the teenager still required maintenance.

She informed the court that the child was not employed, but was instead preparing to rewrite several subjects he failed at Ordinary Level.

After assessing the submissions, Ms Makonye ruled in favour of Mr Washaya, officially discharging the maintenance order.