Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Pretoria, South Africa
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s dedication to working closely with South Africa at bilateral, regional, continental and international levels to advance the two countries’ shared goals and aspirations.
Addressing the opening session of the Heads of State Summit of the Fourth Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Friday, President Mnangagwa said the historic ties between the two countries should be translated into stronger economic cooperation and tangible development outcomes.
“I reaffirm that my administration remains dedicated to work closely with South Africa at the bilateral, regional, continental and international levels to advance our shared goals and aspirations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the BNC was meeting at an important time, with the relationship between the two countries anchored in shared ancestry, cultural ties and their common anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles.
“The bond between us is rooted in our ancestry and cultural ties, as well as shared anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles,” he said.
“We also have similar aspirations for more prosperous economies and a higher quality of life for our peoples. Beyond the geographic border between us, Zimbabwe and South Africa are one people, with a common past and inextricably linked destinies.”
He said recent global shocks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, commodity price volatility and disruptions to supply chains, had underscored the need for stronger economic resilience and regional industrial capacity.
President Mnangagwa called for greater cooperation in manufacturing, infrastructure development, mineral beneficiation, agriculture and energy, while welcoming progress towards operationalising the One-Stop Border Post at the Beitbridge Border Post.
He also called for renewed efforts to unlock the construction of the Third Limpopo Bridge, describing the project as long overdue.
“Let us take bold measures and remove impediments so that this strategic project sees the light of day,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was “open for business” and ready to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers on a reciprocal basis to facilitate greater trade and investment.
He highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies, noting cooperation across the iron and steel, agriculture, retail, healthcare and education sectors.
“Together we are stronger; when South Africa thrives, Zimbabwe thrives too and vice versa,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also commended cooperation between Zesa and Eskom in strengthening regional energy security and urged closer collaboration on food security, migration and combating transnational crime.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the BNC testified to the “deep and historic relations” between the peoples of Zimbabwe and South Africa, describing the two countries as “one people” whose futures were inseparably linked.
He expressed condolences to President Mnangagwa and the families affected by the Kariba boat disaster, after the opening session observed a moment of silence in memory of those who perished.
“Our spirits are inseparable, our paths have been shaped by shared culture and our future will be shared by aspirations,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said Zimbabwe remained one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, with the value of bilateral trade having almost doubled over the past four years.
However, he noted that South Africa continued to export significantly more to Zimbabwe than it imported, creating a trade deficit that needed to be addressed.
“We need to work together to narrow this deficit,” President Ramaphosa said, calling for the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to be used to increase trade and investment.
He said stronger infrastructure was essential to economic growth and highlighted the importance of projects involving dams, schools and other facilities that improve livelihoods and develop communities.
President Ramaphosa also pointed to Zimbabwe’s emergence as a major lithium producer, saying the two countries should collaborate to ensure Africa’s mineral resources contribute more meaningfully to development on the continent.
“There is great potential in collaboration on issues of water,” he said, while calling for closer cooperation to ensure food security for both countries.
He further urged Zimbabwe and South Africa to strengthen border management, migration cooperation and joint efforts to combat cross-border crime.
On regional affairs, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working with Zimbabwe on peace and security, including concerns relating to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.
He said the two countries remained committed to efforts towards the lifting of sanctions and creating economies capable of sustaining livelihoods.
“Our people expect that this BNC will deliver results,” President Ramaphosa said.
