Tapiwa Mashakada has stepped down as MDC national chairman and immediately ended his party membership.
His decision follows his appointment to the Zimbabwe Media Commission as a commissioner.
Mashakada informed MDC president Douglas Mwonzora through a formal resignation letter.
He said his new constitutional role required political independence and impartiality.
The ZMC is among Zimbabwe’s independent constitutional institutions established under Chapter 12.
Commissioners must perform their duties without advancing political interests or affiliations.
ZMC appointment prompts immediate departure
Mashakada said he chose to leave the MDC because of his responsibilities as a ZMC commissioner.
In his letter, he wrote: “I hereby formally advise you of my decision to step down as national chairman of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect.
“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 he personally applied for the commissioner position during the selection process.
Mashakada was later shortlisted and appeared for a public interview before receiving the appointment.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya announced the new ZMC commissioners recently.
The other appointees include Susan Makore, Caesar Zvayi and Munyaradzi Hwengwere.
Rufaro Ellen Mhandu, Thokozile Chitepo and Merit Thokozile Munzwembiri also joined the commission.
Tanaka Muganyi completed the list of eight newly appointed commissioners.
Mashakada says resignation is based on principle
Mashakada said he understood the constitutional expectations attached to serving on the independent commission.
Therefore, he decided to surrender both his leadership position and MDC membership.
“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 stated.
He also reflected on his years of service within the opposition party.
“I wish to place on record my appreciation for the opportunity to have served the Party and its membership in various capacities over the years. I remain grateful for the many years of service and the experiences that have shaped my public life.
“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.”
Mashakada’s departure ends his tenure as the MDC’s national chairman.
Meanwhile, he now prepares to take up his responsibilities within the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
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