President Robert Mugabe’s visit to South Africa earlier this month (April 7-9) marked the second state visit to the republic in 21 years. His last state visit was in 1994. While a number of issues were on the agenda, it is clear that discussions on bilateral and regional economic co-operation took centre stage.
Nesbert Ruwo/Jotham Makarudze
Both president Jacob Zuma and President Mugabe addressed the business gathering of the delegates from both countries that they are meeting “to exchange views on how South Africa and Zimbabwe can work together to advance economic co-operation for mutual benefit.” President Mugabe also spoke about the need for resource producers such as Zimbabwe and South Africa to beneficiate their resources. South African businesses which have developed expertise in mining have a significant presence on the African continent and the country has an opportunity to play a big brother role. It is hoped however, that the recent flare up of xenophobic attacks on foreigners does not hinder SA’s ability to invest and share resource extraction and beneficiation technologies in the region.
There is a significant South African business presence in Zimbabwe consistent with the strong historical economic relations. A number of South African companies continue […]
