Tinashe Sambiri|Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi has submitted a formal application to return to Zanu PF, after he was expelled in the aftermath of the 2017 military-assisted transition that removed Robert Mugabe.
Mzembi was a prominent figure and kingpin in the G40 faction. He served as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry before being moved to Foreign Affairs in an October 2017 cabinet reshuffle, weeks before the November transition.
His request for readmission was considered at a recent emergency Provincial Executive Council meeting held at Masvingo Polytechnic, where PEC members discussed the matter.
A letter from Mzembi was presented to the council. It states in part: “I write to respectfully apply for readmission into Zanu PF. My membership was rescinded by a special emergency central committee meeting on November 19, 2017.”
He further wrote: “I sincerely wish to renew my membership and contribute positively to its programmes and activities. Zanu PF is a party of depth, and I wish to contribute to its development. I commit to uphold the constitution of the party if readmitted.”
Inside the meeting, opinions were split. Some members indicated they could accept him back provided he rejoins as a regular member at cell level and does not seek any leadership role.
Other members pushed back, saying Mzembi had been posting criticism of the party on social media.
The discussion was not concluded. Provincial Political Commissar Brian Munyoro suggested that Mzembi be called before the Provincial Coordinating Committee to answer questions on his case before any final decision is taken.
The PEC also agreed that some of Mzembi’s posts on Facebook and X should be printed out so that he can respond to accusations that he had spoken against the party.
After the November 2017 events, Mzembi was expelled from Zanu PF. He left the country and spent time in exile in South Africa. He also faced corruption charges linked to his time as tourism minister.
Mzembi came back to Zimbabwe in June 2025 and was arrested on outstanding warrants for criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property.
In May 2026 he was cleared of charges involving the donation of four LED television sets worth US$200,000 to churches, including Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church. The state alleged the donation was made without Treasury approval.
