Lamola presses for delivery as SA-Zimbabwe BNC pins agenda on jobs, trade and migration

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has urged that the historic bonds between South Africa and Zimbabwe be translated into concrete programmes that deliver jobs, trade and improved livelihoods.

Ministerial session ends with a call for practical results

Lamola made the remarks as delegates wrapped up the ministerial segment of the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi‑National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria on Thursday, 20 August 2026. He co‑chaired the meeting with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Amon Murwira.

Opening the session, Lamola stressed that political goodwill and geography must now be matched by programmes that improve ordinary lives. He said:

“Our political relationship is strong. Our historical bonds are deep. Our geographical proximity creates enormous opportunities. What is required now is to convert these advantages into concrete programmes and projects that improve the lives of our peoples.”

What the BNC will prioritise

Lamola highlighted transport, energy, agriculture and migration management as strategic areas for deeper cooperation, and singled out the Beitbridge Border Post and the North‑South Corridor for their importance.

He said:

“Safe, orderly and regular migration benefits South Africa, Zimbabwe and the wider region. Together, we must continue to cooperate on migration management, border governance, and the facilitation of lawful movement.”

High‑impact projects identified

• A third Limpopo bridge
• Operationalisation of the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post
• Fertiliser manufacturing
• Automotive component production
• Platinum group metals beneficiation

The minister confirmed that agreements covering trade, investment, industrialisation and diplomatic training will be signed at the Leaders’ meeting.

Delivery and migration on the agenda

Closing the ministerial segment, Lamola emphasised the need for implementation. He said:

“Our partnership must now translate ambition into implementation. The true measure of this session will be the impact of the decisions we have taken. Our Heads of State rightly expect outcomes that are credible, implementable and capable of improving the daily lives of our citizens.”

Lamola also warned against xenophobia and violence and placed migration high on the agenda, noting that Zimbabwe accounts for 48% of migrants in South Africa. He said the countries had reaffirmed commitments to manage migration “in a lawful, humane, and coordinated manner, while unequivocally rejecting xenophobia, vigilantism, and all forms of violence directed against foreign nationals.”

Next steps

The ministerial outcomes will feed into the Leaders’ Summit in Pretoria, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday, 21 August 2026 to endorse agreements and chart the next phase of cooperation.