Walter Mzembi, once a key figure in the G40 faction, has formally applied to rejoin ZANU PF

Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi, once a key figure in the G40 faction, has formally applied to rejoin ZANU PF after being expelled following the 2017 ouster of Robert Mugabe, with party members debating whether to accept him back. Mzembi, who served as tourism minister and later foreign affairs minister, was a key member of […]

Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi, once a key figure in the G40 faction, has formally applied to rejoin ZANU PF after being expelled following the 2017 ouster of Robert Mugabe, with party members debating whether to accept him back.

Mzembi, who served as tourism minister and later foreign affairs minister, was a key member of the G40 faction that was ousted during the 2017 military-assisted transition that removed Robert Mugabe from power.

His application was heard during an emergency Provincial Executive Council meeting at Masvingo Polytechnic. In his letter, Mzembi said he sincerely wishes to renew his membership and contribute positively to the party’s programmes.

However, his return is not without controversy. Some party members said they would welcome him back only as an ordinary member at cell level, without any leadership position. Others opposed his readmission, arguing that Mzembi had been critising the party on social media.

The PEC decided that Mzembi should be summoned to answer questions about his case, and that some of his Facebook and X posts should be printed for him to respond to.

Mzembi fled into exile in South Africa and later Zambia after the 2017 coup. He returned to Zimbabwe in June 2025 and was arrested on corruption charges linked to his time as tourism minister. In May 2026, he was acquitted of charges relating to the donation of LED television sets to churches without Treasury approval.