South African publication reports President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Zimbabwe to discuss possible financial assistance.
Business Day has seen minutes of the draft agenda of the bi-national commission showing that the economic committee will discuss a “financial co-operation framework and arrears clearance roadmap”. Other matters on the agenda include; a proposal for a one-stop border post at Beitbridge; a partnership between an SA-based consortium and National Railways of Zimbabwe; mining and energy; as well as permits for Zimbabweans living in SA.
Business Day said an unnamed Zimbabwean official confirmed that possible financial support from SA was also on the agenda. Asked about the amount and nature of the possible financial assistance, the official said:
I cannot discuss the specific amounts because nothing has been confirmed as yet. I can only say that the Zimbabwean government is seeking a financial package that will help to ease the impact of sanctions. It is generally felt that the sanctions do not affect Zimbabwe alone and that SA is also negatively affected.
More: Business Day