South Africa Hosts Zimbabwe’s President Mugabe
President Jacob Zuma is this morning hosting his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Robert Mugabe, who is in the country for the second session of the Bi-National Commission. President Mugabe arrived at the Waterkloof Air Force Base on Monday evening. The BNC will afford the two Heads a State an opportunity to review bilateral relations between the countries. Boosting […]
President Jacob Zuma is this morning hosting his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Robert Mugabe, who is in the country for the second session of the Bi-National Commission.
President Mugabe arrived at the Waterkloof Air Force Base on Monday evening.
The BNC will afford the two Heads a State an opportunity to review bilateral relations between the countries.
Boosting trade and economic relations will top the agenda as the two neighbours face an uphill battle over poverty, inequality and unemployment.
According to the Presidency, the two Presidents are expected “to deliberate and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly peace, security, stability, and development in the SADC region and some parts of the continent.”
To date, the two countries have signed more than 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and agreements.
The agreements and MoUs cover a broad range of areas, which include trade and investment, immigration, defence, transport, agriculture, environment, energy, health, labour, water management, taxation, as well as arts and culture.
Today more agreements in the fields of labour, employment and health are expected to be signed.
Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s top five trading partners on the continent, with trade statistics showing annual growth.
In 2016, South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe amounted to approximately R29.3 billion.
There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zimbabwe in various sectors including mining, aviation, tourism, banking sector, the property sector, the retail sector, construction sector, as well as the fast food sector.
During the meeting this morning Mugabe recalled: “I remember (Oliver) Tambo as a great friend. Outspoken. Quite critical when he felt we needed criticism. I last visited him in London – he was by now bedridden, with his wife beside him. It was a miserable sight. I will never forget that one. He was a friend and ally…
“He could recognise me but he couldn’t talk. That saddened me, and I knew that his days were gone… We shall always remember him together, as a freedom fighter; he was a national hero, as we call those who distinguish themselves in the fight against Imperialism.
“Comrade President, I am delighted to be here… thank you for your fraternal welcome and wonderful hospitality. We are very comfortable when we come here, we know we are coming to our second home.
“It is often said that one can choose his/her friends… but he/she cannot choose one’s neighbours. Let me assure you that had we had a say in the choice of a neighbour, we still would have chosen you!
“We are one family because of our geography, of our history, of the revolutionary struggle that we fought side by side, and of course of culture, and blood… and marriage… and we hope that these will continue to bind us forever. I’m pleased we’ve chosen the path of… joint action… in order to secure our common future.”
He ended: “We are one. One people. One revolution. One struggle. One future. I thank you.”
Sources: SAnews.gov.za, SABC video (see below).
#SAZim Pres. Zuma alongside Pres. Mugabe have walked in. pic.twitter.com/5JsPZ2RXOs
— Khayelihle Rafiq Khumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) October 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/ANN7tv/status/915135292503453696