Mzembi's wife in nepotism storm

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has defended the appointment of Barbara Mzembi, wife of Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi, as patron of the national tourism pageant, amid allegations of nepotism. Barbara was appointed in 2014, but critics suggested the minister may have influenced the decision.

ZTA Chief Executive Officer, Karikoga Kaseke, dismissed the claims, stating that Barbara's appointment was by invitation and not the result of undue influence.

"We invited her. We had agreed with her to be our patron, contrary to all those unfounded reports that she bulldozed her way. We invited her to come and help us and she decided to rebrand it," Kaseke said during the rebranding of the Miss Carnival pageant to Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2016 at a local Harare hotel.

Barbara Mzembi emphasized that the rebranding was necessary, noting that the Miss Carnival name had lost appeal due to its association with inappropriate dress and misaligned cultural messaging.

"The name Miss Carnival did not really represent the goal of the pageant, which is to find a true tourism ambassador for Zimbabwe. Hence, it is now Miss Tourism Zimbabwe under the theme Beauty Above and Beyond," she said.

Kaseke donated $10,000 towards the administration of the pageant, while Minister Mzembi contributed a necklace that was auctioned for $500 as part of fundraising efforts.

Barbara also outlined a new model to professionalize the pageant, drawing on consultations with former and current pageant organizers and collaborating with modeling agencies. She emphasized inclusivity:

"Miss Tourism Zimbabwe contestants do not necessarily have to be tall and slim. All races, backgrounds, and shapes are welcome, as our main focus is their ability to represent our beautiful country to the world."

The initiative aims to restore Zimbabwe's national pageant to its former prestige, promoting transparency, professionalism, and cultural representation, while empowering young women to serve as tourism ambassadors.