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Mugabe in SA for second Bi-National Commission

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is in South Africa on an official visit. Mugabe is set to meet President Jacob Zuma, as the two countries convene the second Bi-National Commission session

Mugabe jetted off to South Africa on Monday and visibly absent was the first lady Grace Mugabe. This could be seen as an attempt to avoid antagonism, amid attempts to have her tried for allegedly assaulting a South African model.

The focus of this visit is the Bi-National Commission which marks its first anniversary and since its inauguration a year ago.

Harare believes the results are already tangible.

The visit comes amid speculation that Mugabe could propose that Zimbabwe adopt the South African Rand. The neighbouring country is currently using the US dollar as a currency of exchange.

All the economic indicators are in the right direction, they are pointing upwards

The Zimbabwean cabinet believes that the country has turned the economic tide, following fuel and food shortages. “All the economic indicators are in the right direction. They are pointing upwards. Agriculture is up and because of its contribution we are now projecting a growth of 3,7% at the end of this year. Tobacco farmers alone this year have earned around 600 million that is an indicator that the economy is growing. We are also coming out of deflation,” says Zimbabwe Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa. Pretoria hopes that this session will move beyond trade agreements particularly on the backdrop of the United Nations General Council while some countries including the United States are pulling out on some treaties. As the two heads of state meet, the question is – Will the non-governing body find resonance during formal or even informal deliberations from the first lady’s assault case to the public spats, between Zanu-PF and the ANC? This is no surprise and the history between the two parties dates back to the struggle years. Furthermore, efforts to ease tensions over the negative impact of the influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa will come under scrutiny during the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-national Commission which will take place in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Currently, there are about 1,5 million Zimbabweans living in South Africa who have fled their homeland mainly due to economic hardships.

Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi has welcomed South African cabinet’s decision to allow migrant Zimbabwean nationals living in the country be given another opportunity to apply for work permits to extend their stay.

“Co-chair, I wish to express appreciation of the government of Zimbabwe for the decision taken by your government for availing Zimbabweans with exemption permits for their exclusive benefits. This decision will benefit not only individuals concerned but also our two countries.” Click below for more on the story:

– By Aldrin Sampear

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