Walter Mzembi (born 16 March 1964) is a Zimbabwean politician. He previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry. He was the Member of the House of Assembly for Masvingo South (ZANU-PF). It was announced on November 27, 2017, that Simbarashe Mumbengegwi was now the acting Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe. In October 2020, it was revealed Mzembi was among those who fled to South Africa before their criminal trials could be completed.
Early life Mzembi was born to a Ndebele mother and a Karanga Shona father.
Career When the ZANU-PF–Movement for Democratic Change national unity government was sworn in on February 13, 2009, Mzembi became Minister of Tourism. Since 2007, he is placed on the European Union sanctions list.
He helped organize the UNWTO co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in August 2013. In 2017 Mzembi was the candidate of the African Union for the position of the 2018-21 Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization.
On 19 November 2017, Mzembi was expelled from ZANU–PF by the party's central committee. Other prominent G40 politicians, including Grace Mugabe, Saviour Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwao, Ignatius Chombo, Jonathan Moyo, Shadreck Mashayamombe, Makhosini Hlongwane, Innocent Hamandishe, Samuel Undenge and Sarah Mahoka were also expelled from the party. His predecessor, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, would also become acting Minister of Foreign Affairs on 27 November 2017 as well. He resurfaced at a scheduled parliamentary seating on the 28 November 2017 where he seemed jovial and loyal to the new leadership. He first went to greet First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa followed by handshakes with several other MPs.
Corruption case, departure from Zimbabwe and extradition request Mzembi was arrested on 5 January 2018 and appeared in court on the next day where he was granted bail. The case has however dragged with his lawyers citing his ill health. He was however seen in a video circulating on social media appearing fit. He was arrested over allegedly misuse of resources meant for a tourism conference in 2013.
On October 12, 2020, it was revealed Mzembi fled to South Africa before his criminal trial could be completed and that Zimbabwe's national prosecutors met with South Africa Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi to seek extradition of both Mzembi and Saviour Kasukuwere on corruption charges. However, Hodzi hesitated and demanded that the proposed extraditions be based on the Extradition (Designated Countries) Order of 1990. Zimbabwe's prosecutor general stated that both Mzembi and Kasukuwere “had their cases before the courts, but they fled before their trials were completed.”
See also ZANU-PF Robert Mugabe Emmerson Mnangagwa United Nations World Tourism Organization
References
Further reading – Article on Mzembi’s 2024 Berlin Forum speech on diplomacy. – Investigative piece on Mzembi’s health crisis and detention. – Report on Mzembi’s health and legal charges. – Interview on Mzembi’s tourism efforts and Mugabe’s leadership.
External links African Union Profile of Dr. Walter Mzembi – Official profile detailing Mzembi’s roles in tourism and diplomacy. World Tourism Network: Dr. Walter Mzembi’s Tourism Hero Status – Article on Mzembi’s recognition as a Tourism Hero. Institute for Cultural Diplomacy: Walter Mzembi’s Keynote Address – Coverage of Mzembi’s 2024 Berlin Forum speech on diplomacy. Nehanda Radio: Mzembi’s Health Crisis in Custody – Report on Mzembi’s health and detention in 2025.