South Africa and Zimbabwe prioritise Third Limpopo Bridge and Beitbridge Border Post

South Africa and Zimbabwe have identified the construction of the Third Limpopo Bridge and the operationalisation of the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post as priority projects aimed at turning their bilateral partnership into tangible economic benefits.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said the projects were among the key outcomes of the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), whose Ministerial Segment concluded in Pretoria on Thursday.

Lamola said other priority projects include a fertiliser manufacturing plant, regional automotive component manufacturing, value-addition initiatives for platinum group and precious metals, as well as industrial parks and Special Economic Zones.

“Our partnership must now translate ambition into implementation,” Lamola said.

He said South Africa and Zimbabwe occupy a strategic position within Southern Africa’s trade and logistics network, particularly through their links to the North-South Corridor and the Beitbridge Border Post.

Lamola said stronger cooperation in transport infrastructure, border management, energy connectivity and the movement of goods and people would contribute to regional integration and industrialisation across the Southern African Development Community.

He also called for greater cooperation in expanding manufacturing capacity, beneficiation of mineral resources, modernising agriculture and strengthening food security.

The Minister said the partnership should also create opportunities for small businesses, women and young people.

Several agreements are expected to be signed during a meeting between the two countries’ leaders on Friday. Lamola said these agreements would provide a legal framework for cooperation, strengthen institutional collaboration, expand trade and investment and promote industrialisation and regional value chains.

The BNC also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training, which is expected to strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ diplomatic academies and support the development of a new generation of African diplomats.

Migration

Migration was also discussed during the BNC, with Lamola saying the two countries had engaged on the issue in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to managing migration in a lawful, humane and coordinated manner while rejecting xenophobia, vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals.

Tracking implementation

Lamola said the success of the BNC would ultimately depend on whether decisions taken are implemented and improve the lives of citizens.

To strengthen accountability, South Africa and Zimbabwe have agreed to introduce an electronic monitoring system to track the implementation of decisions taken during the BNC.

The Minister said the system would support effective monitoring, coordination and accountability between government institutions in both countries.

The Fourth Session of the BNC will culminate in a meeting between South African and Zimbabwean leaders on Friday, where several agreements are expected to be signed.

Lamola said the meeting had reaffirmed the strategic importance of the South Africa-Zimbabwe relationship and renewed the commitment to promoting prosperity, stability and sustainable development in the region.