Macheso seeks a downward variation of maintenance

Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Muvhami will tomorrow rule on an application by sungura ace Alick Macheso, seeking a downward variation of maintenance towards the upkeep of his two children.

Macheso claimed in the application that his financial position has deteriorated and can no longer afford the $750 monthly maintenance for the two children he sired with his ex-wife Tafadzwa Mapako.

Through an application filed by his lawyer Norman Mugiya, Macheso wants the monthly maintenance fee to be reduced to $300.

In May this year, Muvhami ordered Macheso to pay $750 for the two children Alick (Junior) and Manisha, while Mapako was granted $280.

Mapako was initially demanding $7 130 every month for herself and the upkeep of their children.

Though Macheso said the paternity of the two children is still an issue, he wants the alimony reduced, claiming the music industry is no longer viable as it used to be in the past.

"My financial position has deteriorated in response to the state of the economy which is affecting the generality of the public and I am not an exception to that," Macheso said.

Macheso said his shows have been affected by the rainy season, adding that international musical shows are now difficult to come by because of the stringent visa requirements by their traditional lucrative markets like the United Kingdom and South Africa.

"At the time the order was granted, I was able to afford the maintenance since I was still using some little resources from my promotional works which had been paid to me as a once off payment.

Mapako, who is represented by lawyers from Hamunakwadi, Nyandoro and Nyambuya Legal Practitioners, opposed the application.