Leadership wrangle rocks PSMAS
A NASTY battle is unfolding for control of Premier Service Medical Aid Society amidst accusations that suspended MD Mr Henry Mandishona (37) bullied his way to the top by claiming to be related to a very senior State official.
It is alleged by Government and PSMAS sources that Mr Mandishona threatened that the State official would deal with anyone who blocked his ascendancy.
On the other hand, insiders supportive of Mr Mandishona say the allegations are false and are being raised by a senior executive who wants the MD post for himself.
Contacted by this paper, Mr Mandishona said: “I cannot comment at the moment. The matters in question are subjudice since a hearing is pending.”
He landed the MD post on May 1, but was sent on forced leave on September 4, 2015 by the Mr Jeremiah Bvirindi-led board and he is likely to answer to charges of abuse of funds at a disciplinary hearing.
Allegations are that Mr Mandishona lied to the then acting chief operating officer, Dr Farai Muchena, that his “very influential relative” had instructed that he get interview questions lined up for MD candidates in advance so that he could breeze through the qualification process.
Also on the interview panel were PSMAS risk and audit manager Mr Richard Mutasa and sales and services manager Mrs Annah Mutengwa.
Under pressure, Dr Muchena allegedly availed the questions, guaranteeing Mr Mandishona — who was at the time PSMAS subsidiary Premier Service Medical Investments human resources director — impressive marks.
“Although due diligence was supposed to be followed to cross-check Mandishona’s credentials, that didn’t happen; which also raises seri- ous questions about the laxity at PSMAS especially after the Dr Cuthbert Dube scandal,” said a source.
The interviews took place following a restructuring exercise under the interim management of Dr Gideon Mhlanga.
Dr Mhlanga replaced Dr Dube following the latter’s unceremonious departure at the climax of the salarygate scandal which exposed that he was earning US$500 000 per month.
Board chair Mr Bvirindi said, “I don’t know much about the background to his coming in as the managing director because I was not yet around at the time he was interviewed.”
Insiders supportive of Mr Mandishona said the allegations were being spawned by executives interested in controlling PSMAS.
“The interview was done by an outside consultant, therefore there was no way Dr Muchena could have given questions to Mandishona ahead of the interview,” a source said.
Another source said a petition was circulating among executives to get the board to fire Mr Mandishona.
“Some senior managers are just creating a storm in a teacup.
‘‘This is a spirited fight against the guy who has been fighting corruption at PSMAS.”
Insiders supportive of Mr Mandishona said the allegations were being spawned by executives interested in controlling PSMAS.