EDiplomacy: Policy of good neighbourliness
the treatment of Zimbabweans living in South Africa. These remained grey areas characterising Harare-Pretoria relations. Relations with Botswana also suffered amid tensions between President Khama of Botswana and the then President Robert Mugabe over a number of issues, including alleged human rights abuses and influx of economic refugees from Zimbabwe into Botswana.
Mozambique, an all-weather friend of Zimbabwe, is faced with internal security threat from Renamo - a long time secessionist group whose activities remain a security concern in Manicaland Province, east of Zimbabwe.
Given this background, President Mnangagwa’s diplomatic efforts acknowledge the importance of maintaining and restoring relations with neighbouring states.
Zimbabwe must utilise opportunities to interact and network with decision makers in the region to improve relations and secure her national interests.
It is in the social, economic, political and security interest of Zimbabwe to cement relations with its neighbouring states.
Above all, Zimbabwe is a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), whose key objective is to secure economic progress and social well-being of its inhabitants.
The Kazungula Bridge project is part of SADC Infrastructure Development Master Plan, which seeks to enhance regional integration, promote intratrade through infrastructure development. Infrastructure is part of SADC’s efforts to boost intra-regional trade and integration. It is envisioned that improved infrastructure such as communication, railways and road networks will increase intra-trade and boost regional integration. As such, the Kazungula Bridge was initially designed to connect three countries namely Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Once completed, it is set to provide easy access to Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Africa, thereby improving trade relations within SADC.
Phase two of the project is geared to establish a one-stop-border post which will enhance efficiency, convenience, reduce lag time for both cargo and travellers.
In this regard, progressive Zimbabweans must commend the ED administration for expediently resolving sticking points which were standing in the way of Kazungula Bridge project.
Had Zimbabwe shunned this ceremony, it would have demonstrated lack of political will towards regional solidarity and risk being further isolated from the region.
It is, therefore, mischief of the highest order to conclude that Kazunglua Bridge is of no economic value to Zimbabwe. Also misleading is the reasoning that Kazungula Bridge construction was an attempt to sidestep Zimbabwe owing to its political instability. The reality is that Kazungula Bridge complements the Beitbridge route as the gateway into the interior of Africa. Read full article on www. herald.co.zw