We were shocked by Mashakada’s move, says Mwonzora

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says it was surprised when its national chairperson, Tapiwa Mashakada, resigned from the party after his appointment to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Mashakada as a ZMC commissioner last week, alongside Susan Makore, Caesar Zvayi, Munyaradzi Hwengwere, Rufaro Ellen Mhandu, Thokozile Chitepo, Merit Thokozile Munzwembiri and Tanaka Muganyi.

Speaking to the Masvingo Mirror, MDC president Douglas Mwonzora said Mashakada was still a serving member of the party when he was appointed.

“It was his choice because he applied and attended interviews,” Mwonzora said. “We were shocked by his move, but we will always respect his decision because he is the one who knows why he chose to do it.”

Mashakada said vacancies on the Commission were advertised by Parliament last year and he applied before being interviewed in October alongside 49 other candidates. The process, he said, was conducted in public and he emerged successful.

“National duty does not look at party lines, especially when it comes to independent commissions,” he said.

Mashakada said he was stepping down from his MDC position as required by the Constitution, but acknowledged that the party had the right to replace him.

According to Mwonzora, Mashakada’s deputy, Voice Chinake, automatically succeeds him as national chairperson.

Mashakada is a former Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, a portfolio he held during the 2009–2013 Government of National Unity — the coalition arrangement between ZANU PF and the two MDC formations, brokered under a South African-mediated agreement, in which he represented the MDC-T led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai.

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