HARARE — Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) national chairman Tapiwa J. G. Mashakada has resigned from both his party position and membership following his appointment as a commissioner of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).

Mashakada announced his resignation with immediate effect in a letter dated 15 September 2026 addressed to MDC president Douglas Mwonzora.

He said the decision followed his appointment to the ZMC on 12 September 2026 and was necessary to comply with the constitutional requirements governing the independent commission.

“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,” Mashakada said in the letter.

He said that, in order to preserve the independence and integrity of the commission, he had decided to relinquish both his position as national chairman and his membership of the MDC.

Mashakada said he had applied for the ZMC position after Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders Committee advertised vacancies for commissioners in the last quarter of 2025.

He was subsequently shortlisted and interviewed during the public selection process before being recommended to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for appointment.

According to the resignation letter, Mnangagwa assented to the recommendation and appointed Mashakada as a ZMC commissioner on 12 September in terms of Section 248(1)(b) of the Constitution.

Mashakada said his resignation should not be interpreted as a dispute with the MDC 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.

He also expressed gratitude to the MDC and its members for the opportunity to serve the party in various capacities over the years.