Author: user user

Inaugural African Film Investor Roundtable brings together continent’s investors, producers in Cape Town

The African Film Investor Roundtable (AFIR), which took place from July 21 to 23, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa. The event brought together 13 of the continent’s most active film investors with 11 producers from the African Producers Accelerator (APA) programme, for the first gathering of its kind dedicated to building a sustainable investment ecosystem for African cinema.

The inaugural Roundtable presented by Big World Cinema (SA) and the HEVA Fund (Kenya), was chaired by Steven Markovitz, CEO of Big World Cinema and executive director of APA, and Wakiuru Njuguna, managing partner of the HEVA Fund.

New platform for African film investment comes at a time as capital for the continent’s storytelling reaches a historic high.

Investors and experts in attendance included representatives of the Ford Foundation, Canex Creations Inc. (an Afreximbank subsidiary), MBO Capital, the Bertha Foundation, the Mastercard Foundation, South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation and National Film and Video Foundation, Business and Arts South Africa, and individual investors including Tony Tabatznik and Wale Gbadamosi-Oyekanmi alongside experts Caroline von Khn, executive director of Oxbelly, and Erica Motley Dupuis, executive producer at Impact X Capital.

The programme also brought together expert perspectives in masterclasses spanning the film business from risk to rights. One session tackled how to de-risk the film value chain across the full arc from development through to distribution.

Another, walked investors through real-world case studies tracing a project’s journey from initial budget to finance plan to waterfall structure, drawing on experience producing acclaimed, award-nominated feature films.

A further session offered an overview of Intellectual Property finance in Africa, grounded in the perspective of a major international law firm with a footprint across more than 60 countries.

Steven Markovitz says, ‘It feels like a historic moment in African cinema with increased global recognition of the growing talent on the continent and increased availability of African finance for African film. The Roundtable was a unique opportunity to bring these forces together, and the results were beyond our expectations.”

‘The driving force behind the Roundtable was to bring together investors who already recognise African film as an investable asset class and create a platform for collaboration across the continuum of capital,’ adds Wakiuru Njuguna.

‘The most encouraging moment was seeing those conversations translate into commitments, with investors expressing their intention to co-invest and support projects from the African Producers Accelerator. That is the kind of collective action that will shape the future of Africa’s film industry.’

Momentum is building. Several investors at the Roundtable made financial commitments for co-investment, while others are actively shaping models for future partnerships. Organisers are now turning that energy into a concrete working plan to keep investors collaborating going forward, and the conversation won’t stop there: key talks and discussions will roll out online as a podcast series, giving audiences a front-row seat to the ideas driving the industry forward. Behind the scenes, producers and investors are already following up on Roundtable connections, and deals will be announced as they are signed.

Osahon Akpata, CEO of Canex Creations Inc., the intellectual property investment company of Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), said about the APA: ‘It is an impressive group of people that have been put together. I see very investable projects from the different impressive group of producers who have come here, and I’m sure that they will get funding either from Canex Creations Inc. or some of the other investors who were in the room because they have very strong projects.’

AFIR is a first-of-its-kind gathering of African and international investors, financiers and producers dedicated to building a sustainable investment ecosystem for African film. Launched in 2026 by Big World Cinema and HEVA Fund, it grew out of the African Producers Accelerator (APA) and is co-chaired by Steven Markovitz and Wakiuru Njuguna, and moderated by George Gachara, Chair of HEVA Fund Board.

The APA and AFIR are supported by Bertha Foundation, Just Films/Ford Foundation, Creative Africa Nexus (Canex), National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, with programme partner Oxbelly.

The next Roundtable will take place during the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 (Canex WKND) from November 5 to November 8, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural and Creative Arts in Lagos, Nigeria.

Police rescue 12-year-old girl, arrest suspected abductor in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Police Command has rescued a 12-year-old girl, Mercy Kefas, who was reported missing in Guyuk Local Government Area of the state.

The command also arrested a 20-year-old woman, Jamila Yusuf, suspected of abducting the girl.

The police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Nguroje said the girl’s mother, Mrs Mary Felix of Birsinsin in Guyuk LGA, reported the incident at the Guyuk Divisional Headquarters on September 18, 2026.

According to the statement, the girl was later sighted in the company of an unknown woman heading towards the Balanga/Talasse axis.

The command said it launched a coordinated search operation and circulated information to neighbouring communities and relevant formations.

It added that the efforts led to the rescue of the girl and the arrest of the suspect around the Talasse border area.

The police said Yusuf remained in custody, while the rescued girl had been reunited with her family.

UNIOSUN unveils week-long ceremony, new chancellor, massive infrastructure, as VC Adebooye parades scorecard

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has unveiled a week-long ceremony where a total of 4,357 degrees, diplomas and higher degrees will be conferred on its graduating students at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies holding from Friday, 18th September to Thursday, 24th September 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, announced during the pre-convocation press conference of the University on Saturday.

Addressing journalists at the press conference held at the Multipurpose Hall, Main Campus, Osogbo, to herald the week-long celebrations, Professor Adebooye described the convocation as ‘not merely a ceremony for the conferment of degrees and diplomas, but an opportunity to celebrate scholarship, resilience, innovation, character and the transformative power of education.’

Giving the breakdown of graduands, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that 3,845 students will receive first degrees, nine will earn Postgraduate Diplomas, 400 will be awarded Master’s degrees, while 103 will bag Doctoral degrees.

On the academic performance of the first-degree graduands, he said 88 students earned First-Class Honours, 1,509 graduated in the Second-Class (Upper Division), 1,946 in the Second-Class (Lower Division), 220 in the Third-Class category, while three obtained Pass degrees.

‘Behind these numbers are thousands of individual stories of determination, sacrifice and achievements,’ Professor Adebooye said, congratulating the graduands, their parents, guardians and sponsors, as well as the teaching and non-teaching staff whose dedication, he said, contributed significantly to the achievements.

HISTORY MADE AS FIRST SET OF MEDICAL DOCTORS GRADUATE

The Vice-Chancellor announced with pride that the university would produce its first set of medical doctors at the convocation, describing it as a milestone.

He said the pioneer students of the Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme successfully completed their course of study after sailing through all required statutory and professional accreditation requirements.

‘All of them, 90 in number, were inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria on 12th August, 2026, and shall be presented their degrees on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026,’ he stated.

Similarly, the university will graduate its pioneer students in 17 new programmes, including Cyber Security, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Criminology and Security Studies, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, International Relations and Diplomacy, Psychology, Demography and Social Statistics, Cooperative and Rural Development, Public Administration, Library and Information Science, Biotechnology, Business Education, Environmental Education, Adult Education and Social Work.

‘These pioneer students were admitted in my first year as Vice-Chancellor,’ he noted.

INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION YIELDS MASSIVE RESULTS

Spotlighting the university’s aggressive infrastructure drive, Professor Adebooye listed landmark projects completed and commissioned to include an ultra-modern FIFA-standard Sports Complex, a 3-in-1 Science Laboratory Complex, the Governor Ademola Adeleke Lecture Theatre and a 900-capacity Lecture Theatre, all on the Osogbo Campus.

Others, according to him, are a 36-unit Academic Office Complex on the Okuku Campus, a Pit Theatre in Ikire Campus, a 600-capacity auditorium in Ikire Campus, a 1,300-capacity auditorium in Osogbo Campus, and 600-capacity auditoriums in Okuku and Ifetedo campuses respectively.

He added that foundation-laying and full commencement of construction work had been carried out for an ICT Resource Centre, Computer and Information Technology Laboratories and an Academic Office Complex, all in Osogbo, as well as an Academic Building in Ipetu-Ijesa Campus, and 250-capacity auditoriums in Ejigbo and Ifetedo campuses.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the reshuffling of the apex leadership of the university by the Executive Governor and Visitor, with the appointment of Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOVAS Group, as the new Chancellor.

She replaces Apostle Folorunso Alakija, whose two-term tenure as Chancellor expired in March 2026.

He added that the Governing Council was reconstituted on 31st August, 2026.

PROFESSIONAL INDUCTIONS, CONVOCATION LECTURE, VIRTUAL ACCESS

Professor Adebooye outlined the activities lined up for the week, which began on Friday, 18th September with the Alumni Day Lecture, Orientation Programme and Award of Alumni Scholarships at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, followed by a Special Jumat Service at the University Mosque and a Convocation Play titled Delilah’s Advocate, written by Leke Ogunfeyimi and directed by Yemi Atanda.

On Sunday, 20th September, a Special Thanksgiving Service will hold at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium at 9:00 a.m., while Monday, 21st September will feature professional induction ceremonies by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Institute of Building, the Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

The formal convocation ceremonies begin on Tuesday, 22nd September with the presentation of degrees and awards of prizes for the College of Humanities and Culture and the College of Education from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, followed by the College of Management and Social Sciences and College of Law from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. same day, the Vice-Chancellor will host all First-Class graduates to a special dinner tagged ‘Meet the Vice-Chancellor,’ with industrialists and employers of labour invited to connect the graduands with opportunities in the labour market.

On Wednesday, 23rd September, graduands of the College of Agriculture and College of Health Sciences will receive their degrees from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., while those of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology will take their turn from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The grand finale on Thursday, 24th September will feature the Convocation Lecture titled ‘Coping with Double Oversight: Harmonizing the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Professional Bodies for Sustainable University System,’ to be delivered by Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, FAS, Chairman of the Governing Board of the NUC.

The Postgraduate Convocation and award of PGD, M.Sc., M.A., MBA and Ph.D. degrees follows at 12:00 noon, while the formal close of the 16th Convocation is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that the ceremonies will be accessible virtually via Zoom (Meeting ID: 826 7045 3961; Passcode: 223742) and streamed live on the university’s YouTube channel, @UniosunTV/Live, for alumni, parents and members of the public unable to attend physically.

Welcoming journalists earlier, Professor Adebooye described the media as ‘an indispensable partner in communicating our achievements, aspirations and contributions to society,’ thanking the press for its total support over the years and pledging continued partnership.

He reiterated the university’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible public engagement, adding that UNIOSUN would continue to evolve as an institution committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, community development and responsible citizenship.

‘Our objective is clear: to produce graduates who can compete effectively anywhere in the world while remaining sufficiently equipped to contribute to the development of their communities and Nigeria,’ he said, noting that the university was positioning itself to respond to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the emerging knowledge economy.

He congratulated all graduands and their families on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff and students of the university, and invited the media and the public to participate fully in the 16th Convocation Ceremonies.

When asked whether UNIOSUN wasn’t facing any challenges as he didn’t list any, the renowned professor of Plant Physiology and Food Chemistry, said, ‘Even the most prosperous universities in the world, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Washington University of Manitoba, German universities that are being directly funded by industries in Germany, have challenges. One thing we have decided to do in this university is to put our destiny in our hands, and by that, what do I mean? We try not to sit and be complaining. We try not to hide our problems, we try to work on solutions, and this is a principle of survival. You don’t hide on what the challenges are, you try to focus on the solutions, and that’s what you have seen, as development in this university.’

According to him, the second reason he didn’t list any challenge was because the government, both at the state and federal levels promptly addressed the school’s challenges any time he went to present any arisen ones.

To the question of practicability of the knowledge being imparted in the institution’s students, Prof Adebooye explained:

‘Yes, we did something in this university recently, when AI came out two years ago, we immediately changed our gear, and we have imbibed AI into all the curriculum. Artificial intelligence is now a component of undergraduate and post graduate courses in this university. And before then, especially those ones who are graduating, what are we going to do with them? One thing we have done is to, is to immerse them into what we call entrepreneurship studies. We are not trying to produce bakers, we are not trying to produce carpenters, we are not trying to produce shoemakers, we are not trying to produce fashion designers, no, not at all. We are trying to produce graduates who can manage fashion designing, who can manage bakery. That’s what we have tried to do with entrepreneurship. So they are not being trained in the skills, but the idea is for them to know the secrets,’ Adebooye said.

The Registrar of the institution, Mrs Atinuke Abosede Oguntunde, in her vote of thanks expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for what she regarded as his visionary and purposeful leadership.

Oguntade lauded other members of the university’s leadership as well as staff members for their dedication to achieving the goals of UNIOSUN. She thanked the media for honouring the invitation.

Toyin Abraham opens up on four-month pregnancy loss

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has opened up about losing a four-month pregnancy, revealing how Pastor Bolaji Idowu supported her financially and spiritually during the difficult period.

Abraham shared the experience while speaking at the Bestie Jesu Concert 2026 in Lagos on Saturday.

The actress said she was four months pregnant when she lost the pregnancy while she was also busy filming.

In her words, ‘I was 4 months, but I lost it. But guess what, I was filming, so I was down.’

Abraham said she initially did not want to contact her parents about the pregnancy loss, particularly because she was concerned about her mother, whom she described as old.

‘I didn’t want to call my parents; you know how it is that you don’t want to… my parents, my mom is old, and I didn’t want to call my mom,’ she said.

She explained that she told her husband about what had happened, but he was far away at the time.

‘I just told my husband, but that day he was far away, and guess who I called?’ she said.

According to Abraham, she eventually contacted Pastor Bolaji Idowu, who immediately began praying for her and asked about her location.

‘I just called Pastor Bolaji. He just started praying, and he said, ‘Where are you?’ I said, ‘I’m on my way to the hospital.”

She said the pastor then asked what was going to happen at the hospital, to which she explained that she was scheduled to undergo an evacuation.

‘He said, ‘What’s going to happen?’ I said, ‘They want to do an evacuation.”

Abraham revealed that Pastor Bolaji subsequently sent her millions of naira to assist with the medical procedure.

‘And Pastor Bolaji sent me millions,’ she said.

Expressing her gratitude to the pastor, the actress added, ‘Thank you so much, Pastor Bolaji. God bless you.’

South Cotabato solon calls for stronger school safety measures

South Cotabato 2nd District Representative Ferdinand L. Hernandez has expressed condolences with the families of victims of the tragic campus shooting in Banga, South Cotabato that killed three, and wounded six other students.

He called for stronger measures to prevent entry of weapons in schools and improve intervention and emergency response to save lives when situations like this occur.

‘We need to improve the safety of all education stakeholders, prevent entry of firearms and strengthen emergency response,’ Hernandez said.

Hernandez, also House senior deputy speaker, also conveyed his support to the students, teachers, parents and the entire school community of Banga National High School who were affected by the tragedy.

In a statement, Hernandez said he and his family share in the grief of those affected by the incident and assured them of his willingness to coordinate with concerned government agencies to determine what assistance could be extended to the affected families.

‘We are ready to coordinate with the concerned agencies to provide whatever assistance may be extended to the affected families.’ Hernandez said.

Hernandez also urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigation of the crime is in progress and respect the privacy and dignity of the students.

The senior House official has called on parents to speak with their children, saying an open line of communication is always helpful to ensure they are returning home safe everyday.

Aga Muhlach, Charlene Gonzales cheer on Atasha at ‘Annie Batungbakal’ opening night

Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales threw their support to daughter Atasha Muhlach as she took center stage in the opening night of ‘Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ on Friday, Sept. 18.

The musical opened in Pasay City, with Aga and Gonzales among those who watched Atasha take on the titular role. During an ambush interview with the press, the proud parents expressed pride for their daughter.

‘Nakita ko kasi lahat ng hard work niya, ‘yung pinagdaanan niya… So it just warms my heart. I’m happy to see it now,’ Gonzales told reporters.

‘Masaya lang ako. Masayang masaya ako. Magaling talaga,’ added Aga.

Atasha became emotional during the curtain call, later embracing her parents after the performance. Her twin brother, Andres Muhlach, was not in attendance.

Andres previously took on a lead role in ‘Bagets The Musical,’ playing Adie-the character originally portrayed by their father, Aga, in the 1984 film.

Atasha, meanwhile, returns to theater with ‘Bongga Ka, ‘Day!,’ which reimagines the world of the 1979 film ‘Annie Batungbakal’ through the songs of Manila Sound group Hotdog.

The musical follows Annie, a sales clerk at House of Pasion who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Her pursuit of that dream brings her into the glamorous disco scene of 1970s Manila.

The production features Hotdog songs including ‘Manila,’ ‘Pers Lab,’ ‘Beh, Buti Nga,’ ‘Panaginip,’ ‘O, Lumapit Ka,’ ‘Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,’ and ‘Annie Batungbakal.’

Atasha, who faced criticism for her casting, was selected for the role following auditions that drew more than 300 participants, according to the production team.

The musical is directed by Chris Millado, with a book by Liza Magtoto and musical direction by Vince Lim.

The cast includes Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, Jackie Lou Blanco, Anthony Rosaldo, Gerhard Krysstopher, Air Paz-Pablico, Yani Lopez, Andrea Babierra, Akie Cedilla, John Lapus and Dindo Divinagracia, among others.

Benue govt tightens surveillance against diphtheria outbreak

The Benue State Government has strengthened surveillance and preparedness against diphtheria as cases of the infectious disease continue to rise across the country.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists on Saturday.

Ogwuche said although Benue had not recorded any case of diphtheria, the movement of people to other parts of the country, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa State, had made it necessary for the state to strengthen its preparedness.

He added that the ministry was working round the clock to prevent the disease from spreading to the state.

According to him, ‘The epidemiological and public health emergency unit in the ministry has been activated to respond to anyone affected by the infectious disease,’ adding that ‘the immunisation coverage in the 23 local government areas of the state has been strengthened.’

The commissioner described diphtheria as a serious contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which affects the upper respiratory system, particularly the nose and throat.

He explained that the disease can spread through coughing and sneezing, particularly in crowded environments.

Ogwuche said diphtheria outbreaks occurred mostly in areas with low vaccination coverage.

He therefore urged parents to ensure that their children receive routine immunisation and seek prompt medical attention if they notice symptoms such as fever or difficulty swallowing.

I sleep too much

Oversleeping is when a person sleeps longer than expected. Sleeping longer than expected may be normal, as some people naturally require more sleep to feel well-rested. For others, though, oversleeping may be caused by underlying factors affecting their typical sleep patterns.

Oversleeping is a normal response to an increased need for sleep, which can happen after several nights of poor quality rest, when a person is sick, or after mentally or physically demanding activities. But for people who consistently oversleep and don’t wake up feeling rested, an undiagnosed health issue or sleep disorder may be to blame.

Key Takeaways

Oversleeping is when you sleep more than your body needs, which can harm your health.

Health risks include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive problems.

Finding the right amount of sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help prevent the negative effects of oversleeping.

If oversleeping may be due to a health condition or medication, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

What Is Oversleeping?

Oversleeping involves spending more time in bed than the recommended number of hours. Experts provide general recommendations on how much sleep people need based on their age.

FCID uncovers bank rumour racket, rescues 36 trafficking victims

Detectives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, have arrested two women for allegedly spreading a false claim that Access Bank Plc would shut down operations, in one of several major breakthroughs recorded by the unit between June and September.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Annex, AIG Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this on Friday while briefing reporters on the department’s activities between June 25 and September 18.

He said the suspects, Idorenyin Umoh and her associate, Fineness Monday Esu, were traced to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and arrested after a petition from Access Bank’s lawyers linked them to a Facebook post claiming the bank would close on 23 September and urging customers to withdraw their funds.

According to the AIG, the two women admitted belonging to a WhatsApp group where the message originated before it was copied to a Facebook account with over 12,000 followers, triggering wider circulation on other platforms. They have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Akpanudom also disclosed that INTERPOL rescued 36 victims of human trafficking during the period, with one victim repatriated and efforts ongoing to arrest the suspected traffickers.

In another case, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit arrested four men over the vandalism of telecommunications facilities across Lagos and southeastern Nigeria between March and May, following a petition from ATC Telecommunications’ lawyers. The AIG said the hoodlums stole equipment worth about N150 million, including solar batteries, solar panels, generators and other modules.

Those arrested were named as Abuchi Odikemere, 29; Anyanwu Emmanuel, 28; Kayode Segun, 28; and Emmanuel Chineku, 17. They were traced to a shop in Kosofe area of Lagos.

Akpanudom said exhibits recovered from the suspects included two surveillance cameras, 52 solar batteries, three small solar panels, two solar meters, a hammer and a chisel.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court, while efforts continue to track down other members of the syndicate still at large.

Detectives also arrested four suspects, including a woman accused of receiving stolen goods, over a shop-breaking incident at Ogudu, Ojota, in which armed hoodlums made away with mobile phones, smart watches, power banks and other items valued at about N20 million. The AIG said the suspects confessed to selling most of the items to a cross-border buyer and have been charged to court.

Giving an overview of the department’s caseload, Akpanudom said FCID Annex, Lagos received 1,816 petitions during the period, of which 1,803 were referred for investigation, nine sent to state police commands, and four dismissed as civil matters. He added that 24 cases were concluded and processed in court, while others remain at various stages of investigation and legal review.

The AIG said the outcomes reflected ongoing efforts to boost the department’s investigative capacity, including specialised training for 17 personnel, infrastructure upgrades at the Annex, and closer collaboration with agencies such as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and NAFDAC.

He thanked Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and supervising DIG Margaret Ochalla for their support, and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to aid crime prevention.

Court denies woman child’s custody, order her to pay ex-husband US$200 monthly maintenance

A Zimbabwean woman based in Australia has lost a High Court bid to take custody of her 9-year-old daughter from her ex-husband in Zimbabwe and has instead been ordered to pay US$200 per month in maintenance.

Justice Fatima Maxwell of the High Court sitting in Harare, Zimbabwe, awarded sole custody of the minor child, A.R., to the father, Brian Sunguro, and granted the mother, Abigal Manyati, access during alternate school holidays and through regular virtual contact.

The couple married under the then Marriage Act and later separated.

They have no shared property.

According to Zambia Observer, the dispute centred on custody, access and maintenance of their daughter.

Abigal relocated to Australia in 2017 to pursue nursing studies and is now employed there, earning between 50,000 and 70,000 Australian dollars (US$32 500 to US$42 500) per year.

She proposed that she be awarded sole custody, with the child joining her in Australia, and offered to pay US$100 per month in maintenance.

Brian opposed the application and sought custody, arguing that he had cared for the child in Zimbabwe since January 2017 and that the child was settled in school and in his household.

The court found that while Abigal’s relocation was aimed at building a better future for the family, she has been physically absent from the child’s life for about nine years.

The judge noted that the child has been raised in Zimbabwe by the father and extended family and that uprooting her to Australia would cause instability.

Compounding this, Abigal conceded under cross-examination that she does not hold permanent residency in Australia and that her visa expires in October 2027, making it subject to renewal.

The court held that the best interests of the child, as provided for in section 81(2) of the Constitution, required that she remain in the stable environment she knows.

On access, the court ordered that Abigal have physical access during alternate school holidays provided she bears all travel costs.

However, any travel of the child to Australia is conditional upon Abigal providing verifiable proof that her Australian visa has been renewed beyond October 2027.

The court also ordered structured virtual access via WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom or other agreed platforms to help rebuild the mother-daughter bond.

On maintenance, the court rejected both Abigal’s offer of US$100 and Brian’s claim for US$650 as either too low or excessive.

Balancing the child’s needs against the parents’ means, Justice Maxwell ordered Abigal to pay US$200 per month, 50 per cent of school fees directly to the school, and all school uniforms.

Both parents must contribute equally to casual clothing.

Brian was ordered to pay medical aid and meet the child’s day-to-day living expenses and accommodation.

The court further ordered that neither parent may remove the child from Zimbabwe without the prior written and notarised consent of the other, and that the child must remain at her current school unless both parents agree otherwise.

Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.