MANY of us who continue to strive and call for more initiatives to resuscitate our economy are delighted by the just launched Zimbabwe and South Africa Bi-National Commission.
This is a major milestone.
The Bi-National Commission is a structure elevating the political, social and economic relations to presidential level.
We are walking the talk of pan-Africanism, African pride, of belief in ourselves.
It has never made sense and has always defied logic to be so besotted by nations thousands of miles away when we can successfully do business with countries literally joined to us.
South Africa is the most industrialised nation on the continent.
Zimbabwe has in recent years been one of the biggest consumers of South African products.
The two countries’ border towns have thrived, Beitbridge on our side and Messina on SA’s have enjoyed brisk economic relations.
This development, which highlights seriousness on the part of our people to be self-determining and map their growth trajectory on their own without looking to the so-called superpowers, is commendable.
Time and again, we have argued that we have all we need on the continent and with close co-operation, are bound to thrive and grow our economies, eradicating poverty among our people.
And when we begin to act on assertions and claims, half the battle to self-determination is won.
Leaders of the two nations will now be meeting annually, specifically to monitor progress on the implementation of agreed projects.
It is common knowledge that many agreements and projects have been mooted between Zimbabwe and SA, however, they have not been implemented.
And this elevation is meant to ensure we get to do what we agreed to do.
Failure to implement projects has set back the two nations’ development agenda.
Both countries agree they are no longer content with the current state of affairs.
And it is this hunger for development that spurs nations to greatness.
Between Zimbabwe and SA is everything that a nation requires to enjoy sustainable development.
Minerals, vastly talented human resource skills are present in both countries, presenting an opportunity for the two nations to become powerhouses not only in the region and on the continent but also on the international platform.
Combined, Zimbabwe and SA have the largest reserves of platinum in the world, the same applies to many other minerals that include diamonds and gold as well as other rare precious metals.
Close co-operation in areas such as mining, tourism and transportation will set an example for the continent on the importance of co-operation.
We can do without the West.
Presently Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is building an oil refinery in his country.
South Africa is not only an industrial but also a financial hub; Kenya and Rwanda are emerging as technological centres.
What impedes African growth then is lack of co-operation between its nations.
Envisaged between Zimbabwe and SA is increased infrastructure development expected to facilitate movements of goods and services.
Combining forces is expected to mitigate the pressures wrought by plummeting global commodity prices, fluctuating currencies, shrinking Gross Domestic Product growth as well as effects of recurrent droughts.
The two nations have several Memoranda of Understanding covering areas such as trade and investment, defence, agriculture, energy, health and more than 30 bilateral agreements.
We hope the relations and ties between the two nations that were forged in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid will continue to be fruitful.