By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARARE — Former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) national chairman Dr Tapiwa J. G. Mashakada has resigned from the opposition party and relinquished his party membership with immediate effect following his appointment as a commissioner of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).
Dr Mashakada’s resignation comes three days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa formally appointed him to the ZMC on September 12, 2026.
In a resignation letter addressed to the MDC, Dr Mashakada said he had decided to leave active party politics in order to uphold the constitutional independence and impartiality expected of the media regulatory body.
The appointment followed a formal interview process and a recommendation by the Standing Rules and Orders Committee, after which President Mnangagwa assented to the appointment in terms of Section 248(1)(b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Dr Mashakada said remaining an active member of a political party while serving on a Chapter 12 constitutional commission would raise questions about the independence and neutrality of the institution.
“The Zimbabwe Media Commission is an independent Chapter 12 constitutional institution which is required to operate independently and to uphold the principles of professionalism, impartiality, neutrality and non-partisanship,” he said in his resignation notice.
He stressed that his decision was motivated by constitutional principle rather than disagreements within the MDC.
“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.
Dr Mashakada thanked the MDC leadership and its general membership for giving him the opportunity to serve the party in various capacities over the years.
He said his years in the opposition movement had played an important role in shaping his public life and political career.
The former national chairman then wished the MDC and its members well as the party moves forward.
His resignation letter was also copied to the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet.
Dr Mashakada now joins the ZMC at a time when the commission is expected to continue playing a key role in regulating the media sector, promoting professional journalism and safeguarding constitutional principles governing freedom of the media.
His departure from the MDC formally separates his new public regulatory role from active partisan politics, in line with his stated commitment to the independence and non-partisan character of the commission.
