MASCA Slashes 2025–2026 Bonuses by 50% Amid Mounting Worker Concerns
The Medical Aid Society Central Africa (MASCA) has announced a 50% reduction in performance bonus provisions for the 2025–2026 financial year, citing cost containment and sustainability measures. The move has reignited criticism from employees, who say the decision confirms long-standing concerns about mismanagement dating back to 2023.
In a letter dated October 6, 2025, signed by Chief Executive Officer Doug Bramsen and Chief Finance Officer T. Chimuti, MASCA informed staff that bonuses will now be strictly performance-based and subject to board discretion. The letter also revealed that pension contributions will be temporarily suspended for the remainder of the 2026 financial year, starting October 2025. During this period, employees will receive an approximate 7% increase in gross earnings to reflect the portion previously deducted for pensions. MASCA stated that all accrued pension benefits remain secure and unaffected, and the suspension will be reviewed at the end of the financial year.
The organisation also announced the suspension of overtime allowances until further notice, urging staff to manage their time efficiently and meet performance expectations within normal working hours. Supervisors and department heads were instructed to prioritise workload planning and ensure productivity. MASCA emphasised that poor time management or inefficiency would not be excused, as the organisation continues to place strong emphasis on output and accountability.
Further changes include the migration of retirees to the MASCA Select scheme, effective November 1, 2025, and a new policy capping leave-day accumulation at 90 days, in line with the Labour Act. The organisation said this measure is intended to promote employee well-being, maintain compliance with labour regulations, and ensure effective workforce planning.
Reacting to the letter, concerned workers issued a statement claiming that their previous exposés of administrative and accounting malpractices at MASCA were not driven by malice but by a desire to realign the Society with its mission. They reiterated concerns over the alleged looting of US$3 million in reserve funds between September and December 2023, which they say has crippled MASCA’s ability to settle claims with members and providers. Workers also alleged that one executive purchased a house in Harare for US$724,000 using untraceable resources and is now planning to relocate to Tanzania.
The statement accused MASCA’s leadership of lacking corporate governance skills, describing the CEO as a pharmacist with no management experience and the CFO as immature and unprofessional. Workers claimed that the accounts team jointly owns a car hire company, Pantheon Car Rental, which services vehicles through Beatific Enterprises—a company owned by the Board chairman. These vehicles are reportedly used by MASCA for marketing trips, raising concerns over a conflict of interest.
Employees also criticised MASCA’s marketing strategy, saying it focuses on a shrinking formal sector while ignoring the 85% informal market. They called for an aggressive expansion drive targeting individual membership and suggested adopting market penetration tactics similar to those used by Econet and Steward Bank. Workers warned that some board members are already withdrawing their affiliated corporate entities, such as Datlabs and PPC, in favour of rival medical aid societies like Alliance and First Mutual.
The statement further revealed that MASCA failed to pay full staff salaries in October 2025, and workers are no longer on pension. Working hours have been extended despite contractual agreements, and morale is reportedly at its lowest. Employees demanded that authorities reconstitute the board, citing complicity in the disappearance of reserves, and called for a new management structure led by professionals with corporate governance expertise. They proposed redefining tariffs, clarifying operational roles, and implementing a strategy to capture the informal sector.
According to the workers, MASCA management has hinted at a possible shutdown by June 2026 if urgent reforms are not implemented. They warned that without decisive action, the Society remains incapacitated and its collapse is imminent.
