By A Correspondent|Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has applied to rejoin ZANU PF, nearly nine years after his membership was terminated following the 2017 political transition that ended Robert Mugabe’s rule.
ZANU PF sources in Masvingo revealed at the weekend that Mzembi submitted an application letter indicating his willingness to rejoin the ruling party and contribute to its activities.
The sources said the application was tabled before the Masvingo Provincial Executive Council (PEC) during a meeting held at Masvingo Polytechnic.
Mzembi was once a prominent figure within the G40 faction and served as Tourism Minister before being moved to the Foreign Affairs portfolio during the bitter internal power struggle between G40 and the Lacoste faction.
The sources said Mzembi’s application has divided opinion within the provincial structures, with some officials supporting his return while insisting that he should start from the grassroots as an ordinary cell member.
Another group reportedly opposed the move, accusing him of using social media platforms to criticise ZANU PF.
“Some members are saying he should be allowed back, but he must start as an ordinary cell member and should not immediately occupy any leadership position,” said a ZANU PF source in Masvingo.
“Others are against his return because of some of the statements and posts he has made on social media,” the source added.
According to the sources, provincial political commissar Brian Munyoro proposed that Mzembi should appear before the Provincial Coordinating Committee to respond to the concerns raised against him.
“He should be given an opportunity to explain himself before the party makes a final decision,” another source said.
The provincial structures also reportedly agreed that some of Mzembi’s Facebook and X posts should be produced for him to respond to allegations that he has been critical of the party.
Mzembi was expelled from ZANU PF following the 2017 political transition and subsequently spent several years outside Zimbabwe, including in South Africa and Zambia.
He later faced court proceedings over allegations linked to his tenure as Tourism Minister.
After returning to Zimbabwe in June 2025, Mzembi was arrested over outstanding warrants relating to allegations of criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property.
In May 2026, he reportedly walked free from charges involving four LED television sets valued at about US$200,000, which he had allegedly donated to churches, including Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church, without Treasury clearance.
Although the application has reportedly been submitted and considered by the provincial structures, Mzembi has not publicly confirmed that he intends to return to ZANU PF.
His reported bid now awaits further consideration by the party, with his previous political record and social media statements likely to influence the final decision.
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