SA-Zim BNC Concludes: MoUs Signed, Now Implementation Test
Pretoria - South Africa and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed bilateral ties with the signing of several agreements at the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Pretoria on Friday, 21 August 2026.
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SA-Zim BNC Concludes: MoUs Signed, Now Implementation Test
Pretoria - South Africa and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed bilateral ties with the signing of several agreements at the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Pretoria on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The signing marks a shift from political history to practical programmes for trade, growth and shared prosperity.
MOUs & AGREEMENTS SIGNED:
- Diplomacy: MoU between Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute and DIRCO Diplomatic Academy - signed by Minister Ronald Lamola and Minister Prof Amon Murwira
- Correctional Services: Agreement on cooperation
- Women Empowerment & Gender Equality: MoU concluded
- Agriculture: Cooperation agreement
- Arts, Culture & Heritage: Cooperation agreement
RAMAPHOSA - STRATEGIC PARTNER:
"The agreements and MoUs signed in our presence today, together with the decisions reached, reflect our concrete plans to deepen cooperation. These instruments must now be implemented so that our countries and people benefit," President Ramaphosa said.
"For South Africa, Zimbabwe remains a strategic partner. It remains one of our largest trading partners. We have undertaken here to redouble efforts to expand investment and trade."
Sectors flagged: agriculture and agro-processing, energy, mining, transport, medicines and vaccines, water, tourism, finance and digital technology.
On borders: "We are committed to moving people and goods seamlessly and securely across our border in a well-managed and coordinated manner."
Ramaphosa said inclusive growth is needed to widen access to food, shelter, health, education, water and sanitation, and to create jobs especially for women and youth.
MNANGAGWA - IMPLEMENTATION & THIRD BRIDGE:
President Mnangagwa described the session as highly productive.
"When South Africa thrives, Zimbabwe thrives too, and vice versa," he said.
"We agreed to reduce over-reliance on distant markets as a way to build resilience from external shocks."
High Impact Priority Projects identified:
- Cross-border manufacturing value chains
- Infrastructure development
- Agriculture & mineral beneficiation
- Construction of the Third Limpopo Bridge
- Operationalisation of the One Stop Border Post
"Zimbabwe is committed to removing all the tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. We are also ready to resolve the challenges faced by South African entities operating in Zimbabwe," Mnangagwa said.
He also invited SA to develop land allocated at the Museum of African Liberation in Zimbabwe to preserve anti-apartheid history, and thanked SA for supporting Zimbabwe's non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council and advocacy for removal of sanctions.
MEASURE OF SUCCESS:
Both leaders agreed the strength will not be measured by signatures, but by implementation.
"Today, we have adopted important decisions... We must now translate these commitments into tangible outcomes through concrete actions that deliver meaningful benefits for our countries and people," Mnangagwa said.
Decision Management System will be used to track implementation.
Fifth Session of BNC loading.
TMGNEWS VERDICT: MoUs are paper arsenal. Benefit is ground arsenal. For people of Ga-Rankuwa and Musina border: jobs, border efficiency, cheaper goods - that is the real review date.
Source: http://SAnews.gov.za