Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) has vowed it will not reinstate its former managing director Henry Mandishona despite a Labour Court ruling directing the health insurer to take him back.
BY CHARLES LAITON
Mandishona was last May appointed substantive PSMAS managing director, taking over from Gibson Mhlanga, but was sent on forced leave in October last year and later fired on charges of circumventing the board in key decisions, including making senior staff appointments.
But, when the matter was heard at the Labour Court last Friday, PSMAS was ordered to reinstate Mandishona without loss of pay and benefits.
However, in a letter gleaned by NewsDay yesterday addressed to Mandishona’s lawyers Atherstone and Cook Legal Practitioners and dated February 1, 2016, written by PSMAS lawyers Muzangaza, Mandaza and Tomana, the medical aid society said its position regarding Mandishona’s fate would not change.
“We have been instructed to reply to your letter of today’s date regarding the above. Our client’s position remains that Mandishona ceased to be a PSMAS employee on November 24, 2015,” the lawyers wrote. “While he (Mandishona) is entitled to seek whatever relief from whatever forum, the bottom line, which we are instructed to underline, is that he will not be taken back in whatever capacity. It is as simple as that.
“Henry Mandishona will, therefore, not be allowed back at PSMAS, and any attempts by him to force his way into our client’s premises will be met with the necessary sanction.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mandishona was accused of irregularly approving advance payments of $15 000 to the head of finance and $10 490 to the head of human resources before the two had completed their probation.
PSMAS claims Mandishona also approved donations of over $126 538 without the board’s approval, thereby prejudicing his employer.
In October last year, Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa and his Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare counterpart, Prisca Mupfumira, ordered PSMAS to reinstate Mandishona, but the board stood its ground.
