Tashinga Chimuti: Shaping Zimbabwe's Healthcare Finance with Vision & Resilience

Zimbabwe’s healthcare industry lies in the convergence of policy and persistent challenges. With the continuous evolution in the sector amidst economic gusts as well as volatile regulatory frameworks, leaders who combine budgetary discipline with empathy and foresight are shaping its future. One leader, who defines it all, is Medical Aid Society of Central Africa (MASCA)'s Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Tashinga Chimuti, whose 15-year-long professional journey in the financial sector outlines conviction and a purposeful commitment to transformation.

Born in Harare and raised in Zvishavane, Tashinga’s formative years echo an acute sense of self-direction and individualism. From opting for a mission school over a private one in Grade 7 to taking on challenging subject combinations in high school, she showcased an early competence for logic-driven decisions, a trait that later distinguished her as a finance leader.

Tashinga began her career at Deloitte Bulawayo as an auditor, where she honed her skills in combining financial expertise with strategic thinking. In 2017, she made a key move to MASCA, shifting from merely identifying problems to actively creating solutions. Being CFO since 2021, she has guided MASCA through important changes in operations and governance, juggling the complexities of finance along with broader organizational goals.

Tashinga has faced her fair share of challenges, contending with criticism both from the public and from within the organisation, while also making personal sacrifices along the way. Despite everything, she decides to stay true to her principles of ethical leadership and is passionate about helping others grow. Recognized as a top regional manager by the Zimbabwe CEO's Network, she actively speaks out for gender equality and supports the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Zimbabwe.

In a conversation with Global Woman Leader, Tashinga opens up about her inspiring journey of bravery, finding her purpose and leading quietly yet confidently through tough times.

Tell us about your early years and the key influences that shaped your path.

I was born in Harare and later moved to Zvishavane for my final year of primary school, which shaped my approach to decision making. In Grade 7, I had to choose between an expensive private school and a much more affordable mission school. When it was time for Advanced Level, the subject combination I wanted wasn’t offered at my then school, so I transferred to another one in Gweru. I was the only student opting for the said combination, which many others avoided. Despite the school’s low pass rates, I excelled and even broke a record by becoming the first student there to earn an ‘A’ in one of the subjects.

Making decisions based on what makes sense to me and standing by them has been a guiding principle throughout my life. It’s helped me navigate the challenges of the finance world. My parents played a key role in shaping me. They lived the values they taught, namely honesty, courage, and hard work.

Leadership for me is not about being invincible, but staying rooted, teachable, and showing up with clarity and compassion

Tell us about your 15-year journey in Zimbabwe’s finance sector and your core specializations.

My journey in Zimbabwe's financial industry spans 15 years. I started training as an auditor and joined Deloitte in Bulawayo in 2010, staying until 2017. I began as a trainee in 2010, became a manager by 2014, and completed my articles in 2015.

In 2017, I was headhunted by the leadership of MASCA. I joined as Finance Manager and was promoted to Chief Finance Officer (CFO) in 2021.

Moving from audit to industry was a significant shift. I was expected to drive change, improve corporate governance, increase efficiency, and support sustainable growth at MASCA. I took on this challenge believing I could contribute positively.

What inspired you to join MASCA, and what’s the vision behind it?

While working as an auditor, my primary responsibility was to identify problems and point out weaknesses. After about seven years, I felt a strong pull to give back more directly. When the opportunity to join MASCA’s leadership team arose, I didn’t hesitate. As a MASCA member, it felt like the perfect way to contribute to my own medical aid provider while growing professionally.

MASCA being a not-for-profit organization was another big draw. I have always wanted to be part of something bigger that makes a tangible impact. An organization like MASCA, focused on health and not driven by profits, felt right for that passion.

As MASCA’s CFO, what roles do you juggle and how do you balance daily operations with its core focus areas?

The CFO role was introduced at MASCA during my time here, driven by the need to balance day-to-day operations with long-term sustainability. Initially, the role was largely focused on accounts and reporting related tasks. However, the role has transformed over the years and now includes strategic and operational oversight tasks, making it quite complex relatively.

In addition to heading the finance team, I have indirect oversight of all the other functions such as human resources, marketing, and information technology, supporting the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring board objectives are met. Balancing MASCA’s daily operations and core strategic priorities is an ongoing challenge for my team and me.

What key challenges do you face at MASCA and how do you navigate them?

At MASCA, one of the most difficult periods was navigating internal and external trust issues after slanderous press articles cast doubt on my abilities. Though the board investigated and cleared me of wrongdoing, the emotional toll was significant. I was under a cloud of suspicion, managing intense scrutiny while still expected to deliver results and lead decisively. That experience tested my resilience.

I have also navigated political boardroom dynamics. I faced resistance pushing for accountability, financial prudence, and structural reform. The role has affected me personally. It has cost friendships, stretched time with family, and taken a toll on my mental and physical health. There have been lonely decisions and quiet sacrifices. Through the support of my spirituality, family, and colleagues, I have managed to navigate and withstand the tides, growing stronger with every lesson learned.

What key milestones have marked your journey, and what’s your success mantra?

A defining milestone is my current role as Chief Finance Officer of a medical aid society, where I helped drive financial stability and transparency during significant transformation. Another key milestone was contributing to systems that make financial and operational data accessible and actionable. Beyond the numbers, I have led and mentored teams through tough transitions and nurtured talent that has since thrived independently.

On a personal level, completing postgraduate studies while managing family and executive responsibilities taught me discipline and vision. I consider it a major achievement. My success mantra is leading purposefully, boldly, uniquely, and setting others free.

How is Zimbabwe’s business landscape evolving, and what’s driving gender equity in the corporate space?

Zimbabwe has been independent for 45 years, and as a country, we have faced many challenges with the global economy constantly shifting.

I see Zimbabwe becoming more focused on small to medium enterprises (SMEs), possibly with fewer large multinational corporations. It is key to find ways to incentivize SMEs to formalize so they contribute more to the fiscus.

I also foresee a rise in locally made products and services to address current balance of trade issues.

Regarding gender equality in the corporate world, a major step has been the establishment of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, which supports initiatives that improve the ease of doing business for Zimbabwean women.

Tashinga Chimuti, Chief Finance Officer, Masca Medical Aid Society