Zim, SA inseparable: Envoy

Source: Zim, SA inseparable: Envoy | The Herald (Top Stories)

Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE and South Africa are inseparable, with a historical relationship underlined by trade and political cooperation, outgoing South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Rejoice Mabudafhasi has said.

Ambassador Mabudafhasi bade farewell to President Mnangagwa yesterday at State House after the end of her tour of duty.

Briefing journalists after meeting President Mnangagwa, Ambassador Mabudafhasi described Zimbabwe and South Africa as one, given the warm bilateral relations that exist between the two sister republics.

She said trade between Harare and Pretoria has continued to surge over the years for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

“Trade between South Africa has been enhanced, Zimbabwe and South Africa are one,” she said.

The diplomat described her stay as enjoyable, as she managed to travel to the length and breadth of the country.

“I have been in communities. I now know Zimbabwe better than yourself,” she said jokingly.

Ambassador Mabudafhasi was appointed Pretoria’s top diplomat in Harare in 2021 and has made several contributions to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

South Africa and Zimbabwe share a lot in common, which is rooted in the liberation struggle that saw both countries attain independence from apartheid and colonial regimes, respectively.

The two countries not only share borders, but are members of SADC, the African Union and the regional bloc’s free trade area.

South Africa and Zimbabwe are both supportive of the establishment of a Palestinian State and have denounced the unjustified attack on Palestine in Gaza by Israel.

The two countries have cooperated on various projects that include the modernisation of Beitbridge Border Post, which is one of the busiest entry and exit points in the SADC region.

The Beitbridge Border Post, a major crossing point between the two countries, experiences significant movement both vehicular and human traffic.

Politically, both countries’ Governments are run by liberation movements, Zanu PF and the African National Congress.

The two liberation parties were part of other political parties that met in South Africa last week for a Liberation Movement Summit, which both President Mnangagwa and ANC leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa attended.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira attended yesterday’s meeting.

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