Court dismisses man’s bid to escape R20k spousal maintenance

The court has dismissed a man’s attempt to dodge a R20,000 spousal maintenance order after he could not explain questionable cash flows in his bank account. The man had approached the high court in Johannesburg seeking relief from a spousal maintenance order and a contribution towards his ex-wife’s legal costs. The man was required to pay R20,000 per month in spousal maintenance and contribute R150,000, payable in 15 instalments, towards his wife’s legal fees.

However, he told the court that he simply did not have the necessary funds and that his business had taken a severe financial knock since the order was issued in November 2024. In addition to the financial obligations, the man was also required to allow his wife to remain in the matrimonial home rent-free and to provide her with a car. However, despite the man’s claims of financial ruin and a chronic illness requiring overseas treatment, the judge found inconsistencies in his financial disclosures and said he had access to significant credit.

TINA HOKWANA |Spousal maintenance stopped as wife’s extra income hidden After falling into arrears, the maintenance arrangement was restructured in August 2025, allowing the man to settle outstanding amounts in instalments and temporarily reducing his monthly maintenance obligations – an order he complied with. Johannesburg high court Judge Motsamai Makume, who wrote the judgement, said this was the third or fourth application involving the parties. “The first such application and order having been granted in November 2016, whereafter the parties reconciled for a short period,” he said.

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Makume said the matter was being litigated on grounds where it had become difficult to determine who was telling the truth. On the one hand, the applicant… says that he and his wife, the respondent, personally and jointly own several companies and immovable properties.

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