Name: Barbara Perez Hernandez (Barbara Mzembi)
Born: San José de las Lajas, Cuba (exact date N/A (unconfirmed))
Nationality: Cuban / Zimbabwean
Other names / Nicknames: Barbara Hernandez Mzembi
Alma mater: Hermanos Gomez Secondary School, I.P.Q. Martirez de Giron (Playa, Cuba)
Spouse: Walter Mzembi (m. c. 1999)
Children: 6
Education: Secondary and technical education completed in Cuba
Higher Education: Diploma / qualifications in Chemistry, Microbiology, Accounting, Interior Design, and Languages
Occupation: Chemist, Microbiologist, Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Socialite
Years active: 1998–present
Known for: Former Patron of Miss Tourism / Miss Carnival Zimbabwe, business executive, and spouse of former Zimbabwean Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi
Political party: N/A (unconfirmed)
Other political affiliations: N/A (unconfirmed)
Career & Positions held (chronological):
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Research Staff, University of Zimbabwe Research Department
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Laboratory Analyst, Centre for Epidemiology
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Executive Director & Founder, Rarefied Investments (1999–present)
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Co-owner & Operator, MuNandi Travel Agency
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Founder, Elbano Creations (Garment & Protective Clothing Design)
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Patron, Miss Carnival / Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (Appointed 2014)
Awards and honours: N/A (unconfirmed)
Controversies:
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Named alongside spouse Walter Mzembi in a 2010s legal dispute with POSB over a defaulting $100,000 corporate loan guarantee.
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Subject of tabloid allegations regarding high-profile religious figures in Harare. In late 2016, online Zimbabwean tabloid media (such as Now Daily) published unverified claims alleging that Barbara Hernandez (Mzembi) was among several high-profile women connected to controversial Harare religious figure Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. The reports alleged improper interactions or relationships occurring under the guise of spiritual consultation or mentorship. Walter Mzembi publicly dismissed the tabloid coverage, affirming his commitment to his marriage and rejecting the narrative circulated by local media outlets.
Criminal charges / Legal issues: N/A (unconfirmed)
Website / Social media:
