Diplomatic Inside

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency David Hamadziripi, hosted a dignified celebration in Pretoria on Friday to mark Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Anniversary, highlighting the country’s developmental strides, enduring bilateral ties with South Africa, and regional cooperation within SADC and beyond.

In a speech attended by South African dignitaries, diplomats, and members of the Zimbabwean diaspora, Ambassador Hamadziripi paid homage to the liberation struggle and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s national aspirations under the theme: “Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.”

“As we commemorate the birth of our nation 45 years ago on the 18th of April 1980, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of our liberation heroes and heroines… we reflect on the journey we have travelled so far and renew our collective commitment to the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and united sovereign Zimbabwe,” the Ambassador said.

Quoting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Independence Day address delivered in Gokwe, Hamadziripi reiterated the government’s development mantra: “Together, as one people, we are building our motherland, brick by brick and stone upon stone.”

The Guest of Honour at the event was South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Police, Honourable Cassel Mathale, whose presence symbolized the close diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Also in attendance were His Excellency Mr Salih Omar Abdu, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as Zimbabwe’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Mr E. Phiri, and senior officials from the embassy and consulates.

Ambassador Hamadziripi announced promising economic prospects for Zimbabwe, forecasting 6% GDP growth in 2025, underpinned by a strong agricultural season, growth in mining and manufacturing, and an expanding tourism sector.

He emphasized the strategic importance of Zimbabwe-South Africa relations, rooted in “shared history, experiences, values and aspirations.” He expressed hope for the long-anticipated 4th Session of the Bi-National Commission to take place later this year, which would “provide further impetus to our comprehensive partnership.”

Sports diplomacy also featured in his speech, with the Ambassador announcing that Zimbabwe would host South Africa’s Proteas cricket team from 28 June to 10 July, followed by a Tri-nation T20I series involving Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand in July.

He extended congratulations to South Africa for becoming the first African country to preside over the G20 and for preparing to host the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil, applauding Pretoria’s leadership in promoting Africa’s interests on the global stage.

Zimbabwe, too, achieved a historic milestone, with former Minister of Sport Kirsty Coventry being elected as the first African and first woman President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)—an achievement the Ambassador described as a point of national pride.

Addressing regional and global issues, Ambassador Hamadziripi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateralism and a fair, inclusive global governance system. As current Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), he vowed continued efforts to foster peace, stability, sustainable development, and regional integration. To his fellow Zimbabweans in South Africa, the Ambassador expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I deeply appreciate your invaluable support to the work of the Embassy and the Consulates and to the development of our motherland. I urge you to continue to speak well, defend and promote our great nation Zimbabwe and be good ambassadors of our country here.”

Speaking at the 45th Zimbabwe Independence Day celebration in Pretoria, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Police, Honourable Cassel Mathale, said: “South Africa and Zimbabwe share a historic and fraternal relationship, underpinned by a Bi-National Commission established in 2015. We welcome the exponential growth in trade between our countries from 2023 to 2024 and anticipate further increases under the Tripartite Free Trade Area and the African Continental Free Trade Area. We value Zimbabwe’s support in promoting regional peace and security through SADC, and joint policing efforts like the recent forensic cooperation enhance our collective fight against cross-border crime.”

The celebration ended with a formal toast:

·      To the good health of his Excellency, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, 

·      To the friendship and cordial relationship between Zimbabwe and South Africa, 

The event served as both a moment of national reflection and a reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s regional solidarity and aspirations for inclusive growth under Vision 2030.