mbulelo smpofu
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Hwange Local Board has hailed its three-year twinning partnership with South Africa’s Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality as a transformative force, driving cross-border collaboration, economic opportunity, and cultural enrichment.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Hwange Local Board Public Relations Officer, Mr Dumisani Nsingo, said the local authority has witnessed tangible benefits from the agreement, which has strengthened ties between the two municipalities since its inception in 2021.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to economic advancement. The two municipalities have co-exhibited at major events on two occasions since 2021, leveraging their combined strengths to attract trade and investment.
“This collaboration opens doors to new opportunities in trade, investment, and economic growth. The joint initiatives under the agreement align with the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative (TSDI), a Zimbabwe-South Africa framework aimed at fostering regional development through infrastructure, tourism and resource-sharing,” said Mr Nsingo.
He noted that sustainable projects focused on job creation and skills development have already been launched, with both municipalities exchanging expertise in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and support for small enterprises.
“By pooling resources and knowledge, we are building capacity within our communities and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity,” Mr Nsingo said.
Beyond economic benefits, Mr Nsingo said the partnership has deepened cultural ties. Hwange officials and delegates have participated in Ba-Phalaborwa’s annual Marula Festival — a vibrant celebration of heritage, music and tradition — for four consecutive years.
He described the festival as a cornerstone of cross-cultural engagement, fostering a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures, shared values and rich heritage of the two communities.
“The exchange of traditions, arts and community activities has not only strengthened bilateral relations but has also positioned both regions as cultural ambassadors within the Trans-Limpopo corridor. These interactions remind us that unity and mutual respect are the bedrock of meaningful partnerships.”
Looking ahead, he said the Local Board envisions the twinning agreement as a catalyst for improved governance, through the sharing of best practices in public administration, policy-making and service delivery — with both municipalities aiming to enhance operational efficiency and citizen satisfaction.
“Learning from each other’s successes and challenges will help us build more responsive, transparent local governments,” Mr Nsingo said.
The collaboration has already prompted dialogue around sustainable urban planning, waste management, and water resource strategies, all critical areas for communities heavily reliant on mining and tourism.
As the partnership enters its fourth year, there is a sense of optimism.
Mr Nsingo reaffirmed Hwange’s commitment to expanding the scope of cooperation, with potential projects including student exchange programmes, joint environmental conservation efforts and enhanced tourism marketing.
“This is more than a symbolic alliance; it is a blueprint for how African municipalities can harness shared goals to uplift their people,” he said.
The Hwange-Ba-Phalaborwa twinning agreement is among several regional partnerships demonstrating the power of cross-border solidarity, proving that when local governments unite, the benefits resonate far beyond their jurisdictions. —@nyeve1
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter