Nepotism scandal rocks Cimas

One of the country's largest medical aid societies, Cimas, has been sucked into a messy nepotism and cronyism scandal.

Deputy board chairman Eben Makonese allegedly influenced the appointment of his unqualified brother-in-law as the group's director of medical services.

Investigations unearthed that Makonese - who has been a board member for close to 20 years - played a pivotal role in the appointment of Mafingei Nyamwanza - who is a brother to the former's wife, Madeline Nyamwanza-Makonese.

However, after Nyamwanza landed the top post, it is alleged he in turn secured jobs for his cousin Enest Samanga (human resources and administration manager) as well as other close associates Roselyn Magaramombe (laboratory manager), Sarapiah Sibanda (chief accountant), Sandra Mavuto (chief technologist) and Erica Chidziva (quality co-ordinator).

Apart from being cousins, Messrs Nyamwanza and Samanga are said to be hailing from Penhalonga, near St Augustine's in Manicaland.

The key positions are allegedly being abused to manipulate tender processes and to undermine transparency and accountability in the company.