By Staff Reporter
Senior executives at Zimbabwe’s National Handling Services (NHS) have been placed on leave following allegations of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement, which sources say have cost the government-owned entity millions of dollars.
The NHS, responsible for handling ground operations for airlines at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, has suspended its CEO, Godknows Maravanyika, Chief Financial Officer Question Maisera, and Head of Human Resources Shamiso Nyangairi.
The decision follows accusations of gross incompetence, misappropriation of company resources, and a lack of corporate governance oversight.
NHS Board Chair Godwin Nyengedza has, however, denied that the executives have been formally suspended, clarifying that they have been asked to take a leave of absence.
“The Board merely asked certain members of the Executive team to go on leave with full benefits. This is a live matter, and I cannot comment much further at this stage. If there’s an update, we will communicate it,” Nyengedza said.
Despite the board’s stance, sources within the NHS paint a different picture of the situation, claiming the agency is struggling financially.
Employees have voiced concerns over poor working conditions, low wages, and delayed overtime payments.
A recent internal report highlights frustrations among workers, with some graduate trainees reportedly earning as little as $60 per month.
A source familiar with the matter cited an incident last year where a truckload of cement, allegedly meant for NHS, arrived at the airport under questionable circumstances.
“They claimed the cement was for NHS, but senior management had no idea where it was supposed to go,” the source said.
In contrast to the company’s reported financial success—last year’s annual report noted a profit of $18.2 million—employees say the NHS is struggling to maintain operations.
Workers report a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms, despite the risky nature of their duties at the airport.
One employee expressed frustration with the situation, stating: “The top management are living lavishly while workers are suffering.
They buy themselves luxury vehicles while our uniforms are falling apart.”
NHS handles the majority of ground operations for airlines landing at Zimbabwe’s main airport, yet internal sources claim management’s personal interests have taken precedence over the welfare of employees.
Workers have called for an investigation into the company’s financial practices, with concerns that management and board members have failed to address their grievances.
Maravanyika, the suspended CEO, has denied any wrongdoing and criticised the board’s decision. “We were just told not to report for duty. No valid reasons were provided,” he said.
