All Constitution Sections

Section 320: Membership of Commissions and conditions of service of members

Constitution of Zimbabwe

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, every member of a Commission is appointed for a term of five years which is renewable for one additional term only.

(2) Members of Commissions, other than—

    (a) the independent Commissions;

    (b) the Judicial Service Commission;

    (c) the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission; and

    (d) the Zimbabwe Land Commission; hold office at the pleasure of the President.

(3) Subject to this Constitution, Members of Parliament and members of provincial or metropolitan councils, local authorities and government-controlled entities are not eligible to be appointed as members of a Commission.

(4) Where a Commission has a chairperson and a deputy chairperson, they must be of different genders.

(5) Before entering office, members of Commissions must take before the President, or a person authorised by the President, the oaths of loyalty and office in the forms set out in the Third Schedule.

(6) Members of Commissions are entitled to such remuneration, allowances and other benefits as may be fixed by or under an Act of Parliament, and their remuneration must not be reduced during the members’ tenure of office.

(7) The remuneration and allowances of members of Commissions are a charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

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AI Insights

Key Insight: This constitutional section establishes important safeguards for commission independence in Zimbabwe. While most commissioners serve fixed, limited terms (5 years, renewable once), only independent commissions and three specific bodies (Judicial Service, Anti-Corruption, and Land Commissions) have true autonomy from presidential control. The provisions for gender balance in leadership, exclusion of sitting politicians, oath requirements, and protected compensation are designed to promote impartiality and reduce political interference in commission operations.