adminSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
GWANDA Municipality and Makhado Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa, have revived their twinning memorandum of understanding (MoU) under the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative (TLSDI).
The initiative involving the two local authorities will result in an exchange of resources and integration of economies of the two towns for economic growth.
A delegation from Makhado Municipality yesterday met with Gwanda Municipality officials as part of their three day investment promotion tour. The South African delegation was led by the Mayor of Makhado, Cllr Samuel Munyai.
The visit marks the revival of the twinning arrangement between the two councils, which was signed in 2001 as part of the TLSDI.
A twinning relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties.
In his remarks, Gwanda mayor, Cllr Njabulo Siziba said the MoU creates a good opportunity for the two towns to unlock mutual economic interests and develop their economies.
“There is need for action from today onwards on the proposed tabled action plans, which have been discussed in this meeting. As the Municipality of Gwanda, we remain committed to the partnership that has been forged between us and Makhado Municipality,” he said.
“This special function shall chat the way forward on how we will proceed with our twinning arrangements.”
Makhado Municipality mayor, Cllr Samuel Munyai said his team is committed to ensuring that the twinning process brings significant development to the two sister towns.
He said the engagement meeting will also reinforce and consolidate the diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“We are here to resuscitate our marriage which we started way back in 2001. I would like to reassure the people of Zimbabwe and Gwanda in particular that as South Africans we remain committed to the spirit of Pan Africanism,” said Cllr Munyai.
“I see our country and Zimbabwe as one nation which is only divided by borders of governance purposes. The marriage we started in 2001 remains intact and today we wish to present a fresh commitment to our relations and hope it will take the development of our municipalities to a new trajectory.”
The mayor said his delegation is committed to promoting local economic development of the two municipalities.
Cllr Munyai said they will harness and nurture their union. The two municipalities have similarities which could be used to build an enabling environment for sustainable, social and economic development.
Cllr Munyai also extended his gratitude to the hosts for the good hospitality.
In an interview, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mr George Mlilo said, in their twinning programme, the two municipalities should come up with a strategic plan that will guide the development process.
He urged Gwanda Municipality to take advantage of the partnership to address outstanding service delivery issues such as refuse collection, road maintenance, street lighting and the problem of sewer bursts.
“Synergies are an important tool of development. Urban development can’t be done in isolation. Bulawayo has got a twinning arrangement with Birmingham City in England and the city has benefited greatly from this arrangement,” said Mr Mlilo.
“All other cities need that type of approach where they can share resources and knowledge. Sharing of ideas between Makhado and Gwanda will bring much needed development in Gwanda.”
Mr Mlilo said a strategic plan should be formulated to capture the needs of people including the necessary action that can be undertaken. He said the two municipalities can also share resources and have exchange visits.
The TLSDI was first proposed in 1998 with an MoU subsequently being signed in March 2001 between Matabeleland region and Limpopo Province.
The initiative is aimed at creating an economic corridor stretching from Limpopo Province in South Africa through to the Victoria Falls to promote trade and economic development in the Trans-Limpopo corridor as well as facilitating the flow of traffic and other movement between the two countries.
South African and Zimbabwean authorities have resumed joint efforts to revive the implementation of the TLSDI.
The initiative is aimed at promoting economic growth in South Africa’s Limpopo and Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland provinces, which form a key trade artery for the region.
Using their strategic locations and strong social ties, the two countries could use their collective resources to integrate their economies. – @DubeMatutu.
Online Reporter