FORMER Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) chairperson Jessie Majome vacated her office yesterday, two days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa reassigned her to the Public Service Commission.
The announcement, made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, has been widely interpreted as a punitive response linked to the commission’s critical stance on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
Majome’s departure was marked by a subdued and emotional atmosphere at ZHRC offices, with no formal farewell ceremony held. Staff members accompanied her out of the premises to bid private goodbyes, with some visibly emotional as they parted ways with a leader described as principled and steadfast.
As she waved goodbye, Majome curtly said: “This is it,” words delivered with a sense of sorrow from someone who had dedicated years to the fight for human rights.
Her exit has sparked public outrage, with some citizens reportedly moving to challenge the decision in court, arguing it undermines the independence of constitutional institutions.
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Civil society organisations, lawyers and political actors have also criticised the move, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for executive interference in oversight bodies.
The Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement (ZICOMO) yesterday denounced Majome’s removal and called for respect of institutional independence and constitutionalism.
The grouping demanded Majome’s reinstatement and said the decision to remove her threatens to erode public confidence in oversight bodies and weaken the protection of citizens’ rights.
ZICOMO further mobilised citizens to resist what it described as “political and economic capture,” urging national reflection on the state of constitutionalism as Zimbabwe approaches its Independence Day commemorations on April 18.
Critics say the decision reflects growing intolerance of dissenting voices within independent commissions, particularly those challenging executive-backed reforms.
During her tenure, Majome built a reputation as an outspoken defender of human rights, often highlighting governance failures and amplifying public grievances. She previously served as a commissioner in the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission until 2024 before her appointment to the ZHRC as chairperson.