Zimbabwe, Namibia enjoying good, friendly relations
In 1981, when I was training as a primary school teacher at Mkoba Teachers’ College, an affiliate institution of the University of Zimbabwe, I was part of the youths that welcomed the then Zimbabwean Prime Minister, the late Robert Mugabe and his special guest of honour, Swapo leader of Namibia then in exile, Sam Nujoma. That was at a rally held at Ascot Stadium in Gweru in the Midlands Province. I remember well that we sang a special song for Nujoma titled “Mukoma Sam Nujoma, rovai hondo muNamibia” (Comrade Sam Nujoma continue fighting for independence in Namibia).
At that time, I was oblivious of the strong relationship between the two revolutionary leaders and their political parties. I also never imagined nor dreamt that one day I would spend part of my life in this beautiful country called Namibia, a country that I had known only as a desert at primary and secondary school during geography lessons.
Last week, I was reminded of my first encounter with the Founding Father, Sam Nujoma by the new Zimbabwe ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, when she emphasised that “Zimbabwe’s development narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the unwavering support rendered by the Republic of Namibia. Comrades from both countries shared trenches in order to deliver the independence and freedom that we enjoy today.” Ambassador Chaurura, having presented her credentials to Namibian President Hage Geingob on 13 April 2023, was addressing the Zimbabwean community living in Namibia and heads of mission at the belated 43rd Zimbabwe independence celebrations held in Windhoek. The independence theme was: ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo: Brick upon Brick, Stone upon Stone’.
Immediately after Namibia attained its independence in 1990, the two countries consciously cemented their bilateral and trade relations for mutual benefit.
“Today, I feel happy and proud to say that our two countries continue to enjoy good, friendly relations. I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm to our Namibian friends and leadership that the Zimbabwean side has an abiding interest in further strengthening and enlarging existing relations with Namibia in all fields of cooperation for mutual benefit,” said ambassador Chaurura.
There exist many investment opportunities in both countries in energy, transport, fisheries, tourism, education, agriculture, mining, health, infrastructure and manufacturing. Also, the twinning of regions and provinces in both countries is promoting cooperation and development.
Among many achievements made in strengthening the bond between Zimbabwe and Namibia is Zimbabwe’s Dry Port in Walvis Bay.
“As it was during the days of the liberation struggle, comrades joined hands and carried each towards the desired victory. Today, Zimbabwe is indebted to Namibia’s enchanting gesture of granting a piece of land for Zimbabwe to build a Dry Port at Walvis Bay harbour. This certainly makes it easy for Zimbabwe to trade and open new markets in the Western Hemisphere and beyond,” explained Chaurura among intermittent standing ovations from the jubilant Zimbabwean community.
Furthermore, despite the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic, the two countries reviewed their bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas and further held the 6th Diplomatic and Political Consultations in Namibia which led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding that upgraded the Namibia/Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission. It is appropriate that this commission will be chaired by the two heads of state, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and President Geingob.
On the question of sanctions, Chaurura thanked the Namibian government for calling for the unconditional removal of these illegal and unjustified sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe. In the same vein, Namibia’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Jennely Matundu, who was the guest of honour, reiterated Namibia’s fervent opposition to the illegal sanctions imposed on the people and Republic of Zimbabwe.
“These sanctions are ill-advised and are contrary to the promissory work of the United Nations Charter,” declared Matundu.
Chaurura’s message to Zimbabweans in Namibia: “As your ambassador, I am so excited to have you among us, celebrating together sevana vevhu (like patriots). We are grateful that you have always supported the government’s development initiatives and continue to raise the country’s flag high in your various areas of expertise. As a nation, we take pride in knowing that many Zimbabweans residing here in Namibia are making a difference back home.”
She strongly advised Zimbabweans to abide by the laws of Namibia.