Luxurious businessman dragged to High Court for missing payments on children’s school fees and maintenance

Luxurious Lifestyle Businessman Dragged to High Court Over Missed Payments

A businessman living a lavish lifestyle and driving five expensive vehicles found himself in hot water as he was dragged to the High Court in Pretoria for missing payments on his children’s school fees, their maintenance, and his ex-wife’s spousal maintenance.

The Pretoria man, who has two children with his ex-wife and adopted another child from her previous relationship, divorced in September 2018 and entered into a settlement agreement. However, he failed to uphold his end of the agreement, leading to legal action being taken against him.

According to court documents, the man was supposed to pay his ex-wife R300,000 for spousal maintenance, buy her a house worth up to R2.6 million, cover transfer costs, pay for furniture, and maintain her Mercedes-Benz. He was also responsible for paying the children’s school fees, monthly maintenance, and the au pair caring for the children.

Despite the agreement, the ex-wife claimed that the man was in arrears of R225,542 for child maintenance, R110,375 for spousal maintenance, and owed the au pair R2,250. She also stated that the children had been suspended from school multiple times due to his failure to pay fees.

The businessman, who admitted to living a luxurious lifestyle with properties and luxury vehicles, denied being in arrears with maintenance payments. However, his attorneys had already admitted to the arrears.

In response to the allegations, the man claimed that the Covid-19 pandemic had negatively impacted his business, making it difficult for him to fulfill his financial obligations. He also argued that his financial status fluctuated due to his business relying on government tenders.

After evaluating the evidence, Judge Jan Jacobus Clute Swanepoel found some of the man’s claims to be false and ordered him to finalize the purchase of the house by January, pay all outstanding maintenance, and cover school fees in advance. The man was also ordered to pay the costs of the application.

The case highlights the importance of fulfilling financial obligations, especially when it comes to supporting children and ex-spouses, regardless of one’s lifestyle choices.