By Lesedi Sibiya – Diplomatic Insider

The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe to South Africa hosted its National Day celebration on 18 April at the Pretoria Country Club to mark 46 years of independence from Western rule. The event was led by Zimbabwe’s Consul General to South Africa, Eria Phiri, who formally opened proceedings and welcomed dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Zimbabwean community.

“This is a momentous occasion as we celebrate our independence while advancing Zimbabwe’s global aspirations,” Phiri said.

The Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa, Lovemore Mazemo, delivered an address at the National Day celebration alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for Zimbabwe, Prof. Amon Murwira, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.

“This is our first official occasion since we presented our letters of credence 12 days ago to the President of the Republic of South Africa,” said the Zimbabwean Ambassador in his opening remarks.

“Today, we gather under the theme of unity and development towards Vision 2030. This theme reflects Zimbabwe’s steadfast commitment to fostering national unity as a cornerstone of sustainable socio-economic development,” the Ambassador added.

Foreign Minister Outlines Global Vision

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Amon Murwira positioned Zimbabwe as an advocate for peace and multilateral cooperation.

“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none,” Murwira said, highlighting the country’s foreign policy anchored on peaceful coexistence and respect for international law.

He also made a strong case for Zimbabwe’s candidature for the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

“We believe that diplomacy should lead. People talk after a war—so why don’t we talk before the war and prevent it?” he said.

“On the 46th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Zimbabwe, we convene to celebrate the progress we have made so far in the restoration of our national dignity,” said Minister Murwira.
“Our international conduct is guided by the supreme authority of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which serves as our definitive guide. This doctrine is the central framework used to operationalize our supreme law,” the Minister continued in his address.

The Minister also reflected on the hard-fought liberation struggle that gave the people of Zimbabwe a renewed sense of hope in their constitutional order.

“Our hard-won liberation gave rise to a people-centred constitution that serves as the guiding framework of our international engagement. This commitment is explicitly enshrined in Section 4, Subsection 1 of our Constitution, which encourages Zimbabwe’s foreign policy to respect international law,” said the Zimbabwean Minister.

The Minister further emphasized the importance of leaders avoiding the trap of inciting war when bloodshed can be prevented through dialogue.

“At the end of the day, people talk after a war. So why don’t we talk before the war and prevent the war?” said Minister Murwira.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, also addressed the occasion.

“The struggle for freedom was, at its essence, a collective African endeavour fortified by the solidarity and support of nations and peoples across the world,” said Deputy Minister Gungubele.

“Zimbabwe stood steadfastly with us in our struggle for freedom despite the great risk posed by the apartheid regime. This sister republic remains committed to our cause,” Gungubele continued.