Mugabe expected to discuss policy issues

Mogomotsi Magome

PRETORIA: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and members of his cabinet are expected to address concerns by South African businesses over the country’s indigenisation policy that requires all foreign-owned companies to cede 51 percent of their firms to local investors.

South African mining companies have vast mining interests in Zimbabwe and have been among some of the hardest hit by the policy as mining is one sector where the Zimbabwean government has refused to make compromises.

Mugabe arrived with his wife Grace at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria yesterday, accompanied by a high-level delegation including cabinet ministers and government officials.

This is the 91-year-old Zimbabwean leader’s first state visit to South Africa, though he has attended high-profile events in the country, including presidential inaugurations.

International Relations and Co-operation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said yesterday issues including concerns over the indigenisation policy and how it affected South African firms were most likely to be discussed at the business forum to be held tomorrow.

She said Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies would facilitate the discussions at the forum, with all the economic cluster ministers also expected to attend.

Mugabe will today sign a memorandum of understanding with President Jacob Zuma and will meet Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa later in the day.

A large business delegation from Zimbabwe started arriving in the country this week and will take part in the business forum, where several empowerment deals are expected to be signed.

“It is important that we continue with this interaction and remove all the hindrances or blockages in our trade and economic relations. Remember that Zimbabwe remains the third biggest trading partner we have on our continent,” said Nkoana-Mashabane shortly after Mugabe arrived in Pretoria.

“The business people have started with their interactions. President Mugabe is coming with a high-level business delegation, there will be interaction with their counterparts and this process is facilitated by minister Rob Davies, and all the economic cluster ministers will be there.”

Despite strained relations with the West, particularly Britain, the Zimbabwean leader continues to command significant respect and support among his peers in the SA Development Community (SADC) and the AU.

He is currently the chairperson of both organisations and will later this month host the extraordinary summit on industrialisation in the SADC region, where South Africa is expected to play an integral role. Nkoana-Mashabane said relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa would be strengthened by the state visit.

“President Mugabe is the current chairperson of the African Union and SADC, so we will use this opportunity to reflect on developments around our region,” she said.

According to Nkoana-Mashabane, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba would have discussions with his Zimbabwean counterpart about issues regarding the movement of Zimbabweans across the border into South Africa.

This would include the impact of the Zimbabwean Special Permit issued by the South African government to Zimbabwean nationals, which will allow them to stay in the country after their original permits have lapsed.

The department announced last month that more than 200 000 Zimbabwean nationals had applied for the permit.

“These are just some of the issues that will be looked at in order to improve relations between our countries,” said Nkoana-Mashabane.

Zuma and Mugabe are expected to hold a press conference today.