MDC chairman quits party after ZMC appointment

MDC national chairman Tapiwa Mashakada resigned from the opposition party days after President Mnangagwa appointed him to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC). Mashakada informed MDC president Douglas Mwonzora of his departure in a letter, a significant blow to the opposition. This is the latest in a series of defections from the MDC to government positions. Mashakada is among the commissioners appointed by Mnangagwa to the ZMC board, a key state institution, and his defection further weakens the opposition. The defection signals ongoing erosion of opposition unity ahead of future elections, dealing a blow to Mwonzora's leadership. Mwonzora has suffered another setback, and his leadership has been already further weakened.