Medical Aid Society of Central Africa (MASCA) employees have recently expressed discontent towards management for mismanaging funds and failing to pay salaries on time, with reports emerging of zero reserves at MASCA raising questions as to their financial standing.
Sources close to the matter allege that mismanagement began after three top management officials assumed control of its Information Technology (IT) system.
“IT and other departments should serve as support arms; yet at MASCA, three people (names supplied) run everything,” according to one insider source.
Since they joined, “MASCA has become like an accounting firm or snack shop – one has even usurped all powers, leaving its CEO simply riding shotgun.”
Situation has created chaos within MASCA, leading to widespread staff departures – experienced staff leaving in large numbers over an eight-month period between January and April this year alone – leaving with few benefits or gratuity pay.
Also during this period was former CEO Tim Anderson was forced out, furthering disruption within the organisation.
“Frustration and confusion were used as tools to cultivate an atmosphere suitable for looting,” according to one source.
To take full advantage of exploiting an organisation for loot, strategists used undermining key personnel as well as chaos creation to disrupt and exploit the system more easily.
Insider accounts indicate that in addition to unpaid salaries, MASCA once had foreign exchange reserves of around US$3 million held with Fawcett Security Company as safety deposit boxes; due to fears of liquidation however, these funds were never deposited with banks but instead made withdrawals on a periodic basis through black market withdrawals in order to keep its organization solvent financially.
Employees at MASCA have raised concerns over large deposits made into its bank accounts from major corporations after trades, often at official exchange rates, despite ongoing economic instability.
There have also been allegations that certain executives secured properties allegedly purchased through Deeds Registry Office records.
Obert Mpofu, Secretary General of Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), is believed to own MASCA.
Mpofu’s involvement has raised suspicions regarding management practices within MASCA as well as motives behind any reported financial mismanagement allegations against it.
As unrest escalates at MASCA, employees are demanding accountability from management; many remain waiting for overdue salary payments as well as clarification on financial practices at the company.
Attempts to reach MASCA Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bramsen for a comment were unsuccessful.
