SA, Zimbabwe renew economic flirt

  1. Posted on Monday 13 April 2009 - 12:01
    Sam Banda Junior
    Image of Sam Banda Junior
    Sam Banda Junior, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
    Zimbabwe has agreed to work together with South Africa aimed at uplifting each others economy, President Robert Mugabe said. Zimbabwe, the once mighty nation of Africa recently saw its economy crumble forcing many of its citizens to trek to other countries.
    Mugabe1
    Media reports in the country quoted President Mugabe as saying that South Africa was a true friend of Zimbabwe hence they would work together.

    Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has also called upon donors and other well wishers to help the country which is currently paying its people in US dollars.

    Mugabe who entered into a government of national unity with Tsvangirai recently after a long battle of disagreement over ministerial distribution made the remarks after hosting a South African business delegation.

    “We are very pleased with the visit,” said Mugabe. “It’s very enchanting, it boosts us up and shows the confidence that South Africa has in us.”

    The delegation is said to have jetted in the country last Monday and also held meetings with Finance minister Tendai Biti and the local business community.

    A Lusakatimes.com report quoted leader of the delegation from Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Patrice Motsepe as saying that Zimbabwe was a safe place for foreign investment and the country was likely to receive numerous investments in the next two years. “I have confidence that anyone who commits resources to Zimbabwe will see that the country is a good place to do business in,” said Motsepe.

    Motsepe is one of the richest people in South Africa and is the owner of one of the top clubs in South Africa – Mamelodi Sundowns.

    The rich businessman further said that the South African business community was willing to invest in Zimbabwe and help in rebuilding its lost glory. Zimbabwe’s inflation has increased tremendously forcing prices of goods and food to rise.

    Apart from suffering economic problems, the country has also been hit by the cholera outbreak which has claimed thousands of people.

    The cholera disease has prolonged further with the floods caused by heavy rains currently being experienced in most of the southern African countries.

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