By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru,Princess of Harare
HARARE, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – Former Zimbabwean Minister of Tourism and Foreign Affairs, Walter Mzembi, has called for a national amnesty to encourage the return of skilled Zimbabweans from exile and the diaspora, emphasizing their crucial role in nation-building. In an insightful interview with journalist Blessed Mhlanga, Mzembi offered a candid account of the events leading to the ousting of the late President Robert Gabriel Mugabe in 2017 and provided a stark warning about the current political climate.
Mzembi revealed he had received intelligence of a brewing coup and, acting on this, returned to Harare from Zambia instead of proceeding to a scheduled meeting with former South African President Jacob Zuma. His intention was to convey this critical information to President Mugabe, but he was denied access. Prior to Mugabe’s removal, Mzembi had devised a plan for a smooth exit, which he asserts had been accepted by SADC, but was ultimately ignored.
Highlighting the importance of diverse counsel, Mzembi stressed the need for leaders to have multiple advisors and to be receptive to varied opinions, underscoring that “each person knows something good that can be beneficial.” He cited the United States’ extensive network of over 1000 think tanks as an example of how beneficial it is to leverage such intellectual resources. Mzembi firmly believes he has a significant role to play in reshaping Zimbabwe’s future.
Addressing the issue of the presidium, Mzembi strongly criticized the practice of a president silently allowing others to insult and undermine their deputies. He pointed to the current situation in Zimbabwe, where Vice President Chiwenga is reportedly subjected to such attacks, arguing that this practice undermines the president’s own authority, as the Vice President acts in the president’s stead during their absence. He questioned the logic of having a vice president in whom one has no faith. Mzembi ominously reiterated that the circumstances leading to Mugabe’s removal in 2017 are “replaying itself,” with the current president surrounded by “criminals.”
Mzembi’s career has been marked by significant successes, particularly in the tourism sector, where his hard work and diplomatic acumen consistently shone on the global stage. As Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mzembi spearheaded remarkable growth, transforming the sector from an estimated US200 million per annum industry in 2009 to over US1 billion.
Among his notable achievements, Mzembi was instrumental in Zimbabwe co-hosting the 20th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Victoria Falls in 2013, alongside Zambia. This landmark event, only the third time an UNWTO General Assembly was held on African soil, significantly boosted Zimbabwe’s global tourism profile and showcased the country’s potential. He was also recognized as the African Tourism Minister of the Year in 2011 and served as the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa Chairperson, demonstrating his leadership and influence within the international tourism community. His efforts led to Zimbabwe being named among the New York Times’ “52 Must Visit Destinations” in 2015.
Mzembi also emphasized the importance of diplomacy and cautioned against exclusive narratives like the “Chinhu chedu” (our thing) mantra. He advocated for a unifying vision, asserting that “Zimbabweans should be united, it is our country, and we should unite to build our country. It doesn’t matter where we come from or which tribe we are, we are all Zimbabwean, and the country’s mineral resources should benefit everyone.”
His impassioned plea for unity and a broad-based approach to governance underscores his vision for a revitalized Zimbabwe, built on inclusivity, expertise, and a commitment to genuine nation-building.
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