Mashakada quits MDC after ZMC appointment

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) national chairman Dr Tapiwa Mashakada has resigned from his party position and relinquished his membership with immediate effect following his appointment to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).

Mashakada announced his decision in a letter addressed to MDC president Douglas Mwonzora, saying his departure was necessary to comply with the constitutional requirements governing the ZMC.

"This decision follows my appointment as a Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), a Chapter 12 Constitutional institution whose mandate requires Commissioners to discharge their duties independently, professionally, impartially and without political affiliation," he said.

Mashakada was among eight people appointed to the ZMC by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on September 12 in terms of Section 248(1)(b) of the Constitution. The other appointees are Susan Makore, Caesar Zvayi, Munyaradzi Hwengwere, Rufaro Ellen Mhandu, Thokozile Chitepo, Merit Thokozile Munzwembiri and Tanaka Muganyi.

In his resignation letter, Mashakada said Parliament's Standing Rules and Orders Committee had advertised vacancies on the commission during the last quarter of 2025. He applied, was shortlisted and subsequently appeared for public interviews before being recommended for appointment.

He said the ZMC's status as an independent constitutional institution required commissioners to uphold professionalism, impartiality, neutrality and non-partisanship.

"Now, therefore, in order to uphold the constitutional requirements and preserve the independence and integrity of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, I, Tapiwa J. G. Mashakada, hereby resign as national chairman of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and relinquish my membership of the Party with immediate effect," he said.

Mashakada thanked the MDC for the opportunity to serve in various capacities over the years, saying his resignation was a matter of principle and constitutional propriety rather than a dispute with the party leadership.

"My resignation is, therefore, a matter of principle and constitutional propriety, and should not be construed as arising from any personal animosity or ill will towards the Party or its leadership," he said.

His resignation brings to an end his tenure as national chairman of the MDC as he takes up his responsibilities as a commissioner of the ZMC.