Name: Sonja Louise Madzikanda
Born: 1992 (turned 33 in April 2025), Harare, Zimbabwe
Nationality: Zimbabwean
Other names / Nicknames: Sonja Chivayo (during marriage)
Alma mater:
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Kuwait English School
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Midlands State University
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University of Edinburgh (MA in Business & Accounting, 2011–2015)
Spouse: Wicknell Chivayo (married 2017; divorced 2024)
Children: Two — John Chenjera Chivayo, Atarah Minana Chivayo
Education
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Kuwait English School
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IGCSE (2009): 4 A*s, 4 As, 1 B, 1 C
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A-levels (2008–2011): Literature A, Business Studies A, Math B
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Higher Education
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Midlands State University (degree unspecified)
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University of Edinburgh (MA in Business & Accounting, 2011–2015)
Occupation
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Accountant, entrepreneur, resilience advocate, speaker
Years active
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Circa 2011–present (career)
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Circa 2017–present (entrepreneurship)
Known for
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Career in finance and construction
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Resilience advocacy and autism awareness activism
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Ex-wife of businessman Wicknell Chivayo
Political party
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None publicly known
Other political affiliations
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None publicly known
Career & Positions held (chronological)
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Intern, Rotational Securities at Goldman Sachs (10 weeks, 2014)
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Spring Week in Operations at Goldman Sachs (2 weeks, 2013)
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Worked at global financial institutions including Goldman Sachs and Barclays Investment Bank (2010s)
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Accountant at Ernst & Young (dates unspecified)
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Business Development Officer, Steward Bank Platinum Club (2010s)
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Founder, Trink ‘O’ Treat catering and gifting company (2010s)
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Founder, construction company (launched 2025)
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Co-founder, Yaayaa’s Kitchen (food brand specializing in wings, cakes, and cupcakes; dates unspecified)
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Resilience Advocate and Speaker (circa 2024–present)
Awards and honours
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‘Most Outstanding Student’ award in year 13 at Kuwait English School (2011)
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Literature Award in year 12 at Kuwait English School (2010)
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Honours in Allied Arts – poetry recital at Kuwait English School (dates unspecified)
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Selected for EY Women and Leadership Academy (one of 16 girls from the UK; date unspecified)
Controversies
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High-profile divorce from Wicknell Chivayo (2024), including public accusations of infidelity, family conflicts involving witchcraft claims against Chivayo’s relatives, and threats to expose personal secrets during proceedings
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Social media backlash over paternity test publicity for son John (2018) and bikini video (2025)
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Unverified claims of infidelity by third parties (2023)
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2025 allegations regarding children’s citizenship and Kenyan passports (denied by both parties)
Criminal charges / Legal issues
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None publicly known
Website / Social media
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Instagram: @sonjalouiseofficial
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LinkedIn: Sonja Louise Madzikanda
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Facebook: Sonja L Madzikanda
