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Peter Matika, [email protected]

IN a significant diplomatic gesture, a special envoy from South Africa’s Limpopo province and Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution from the Matabeleland region met at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo yesterday as part of efforts to cement bilateral relations between the two countries and foster development cooperation.

The visit sought to foster closer ties with the primary objectives encompassing economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and regional stability and exploring avenues for mutually beneficial synergies.
The delegation was welcomed by the three Provincial Ministers at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport before holding a brief meeting at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in the afternoon.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, said the meeting will boost collaboration between the two countries, while also mapping trade agreements, cross-border investments, and the facilitation of business ventures that could benefit both Limpopo and Zimbabwe.

Mhlahlandlela Government Complex

Minister Ncube said the relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa promote cultural understanding through various programmes, creating opportunities for art, education, and tourism, among others.
“We want to achieve our national Vision 2030 and we need your assistance. In that light, you as a nation too need to achieve your goals. Together we can do so by taking stock of how best we can do this,” she said.
“We have been together since time immemorial. These meetings are pivotal in developing our nations,” said Minister Ncube.

She was accompanied by her Matabeleland South counterpart, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu and Matabeleland North Minister, Richard Moyo.
She said such visits enable both countries to recognise the importance of a stable Southern Africa. “Enhanced trade and investment opportunities can spur economic growth in both regions, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods.
“Increased cultural exchanges foster goodwill and understanding, reducing stereotypes and building a sense of community across borders,” said Minister Ncube.

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube shakes hands with MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Limpopo Province Tshitereke Matibe as they pose for a picture with Minister Evelyn Ndlovu (2nd from right), Minister Richard Moyo (centre) and other dignitaries during Limpopo courtesy visit to Bulawayo at Mhlahlandlela yesterday — Picture by Allen Ndebele

Limpopo Premier, Phophi Ramathuba, who was represented by Mr Tshitereke Matibe, a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in the Limpopo Provincial Government, emphasised the importance of fostering a mutually beneficial environment.

“We want to explore pathways for direct investments in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and technology. The potential for resource sharing and collaboration in these industries is deemed promising,” said Mr Matibe.

He said there are plans on hosting exchange programmes that would allow citizens from Limpopo and Zimbabwe to engage in cultural events, educational exchanges, and tourism initiatives, designed to deepen mutual understanding. Mr Matibe said the courtesy visit marks the beginning of a concerted effort to nourish and expand bilateral relations.
He said regular follow-up discussions are necessary to ensure that the plans set during the visit are progressed and evaluated.

“Quick action on the outlined initiatives, particularly in trade and investment, will be essential for building trust and demonstrating commitment from both sides. Creating platforms for feedback and recommendations from citizens will ensure that the initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the communities involved,” said Mr Matibe.

The visit by the delegation from Limpopo to Zimbabwe is a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations between the two regions.
Through shared objectives aimed at economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and regional security, the visit holds promise for mutual growth and understanding.

The visits are a brainchild of the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative which is a product of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the South Africa and Zimbabwe governments in 2001, led by the respective provinces.
The initiative seeks to coordinate development within the corridor stretching from the city of Polokwane in Limpopo province and Victoria Falls in Matabeleland North and optimise economic opportunities.

The 5,1km dual carriageway that links Beitbridge Border Post and the major highways linking the border town with Bulawayo and Harare (Picture by Thupeyo Muleya)

Some of the benefits to accrue from the development initiative are development of one-stop border posts, rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo-Beitbridge-Musina Road, implementation of Special Economic Zones and twinning arrangements for local authorities and development agencies.

Bulawayo already has a twinning arrangement with Polokwane, and Beitbridge twinned with Musina City while Victoria Falls, Gwanda, and Hwange are working on agreements that will result in twinning arrangements.
Areas of cooperation under the initiative are in agriculture, manufacturing, socio-cultural, tourism, infrastructure and mining.