Ministers from South Africa and Zimbabwe have identified infrastructure and industrialisation priorities ahead of Friday’s Bi‑National Commission meeting to be co‑chaired by the two presidents.
South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said the projects include construction of a Third Limpopo Bridge, operationalisation of the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post, a fertiliser plant, automotive component manufacturing and value‑addition for platinum group and precious metals.
“Our partnership must now translate ambition into implementation,” Lamola told reporters after the ministerial segment of the Fourth Session of the Bi‑National Commission (BNC) concluded in Pretoria on Thursday.
The BNC, established in 2015, is the highest bilateral mechanism between the two neighbours.
Friday’s session will culminate in a meeting between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa where several agreements are expected to be signed to provide a legal framework for cooperation.
Lamola said closer collaboration in transport infrastructure, border efficiency, energy connectivity and trade will strengthen regional integration and support industrialisation across the Southern African Development Community.
He also highlighted cooperation on migration, stressing both countries’ rejection of xenophobia and commitment to humane management of cross‑border movement.
“We reaffirm our commitment to managing migration in a lawful, humane and coordinated manner, while unequivocally rejecting xenophobia, vigilantism and all forms of violence directed against foreign nationals,” the minister said.
He noted that agreements on diplomatic training, manufacturing and food security will expand institutional collaboration and create opportunities for small enterprises, women and youth.
An electronic monitoring system will be deployed to track implementation of decisions taken during the BNC.
JN/APA