By Dorcas Rumano

The South African Defence Forces (SANDF) has honoured its pledge to assist Zimbabwe in the reconstruction of road infrastructure that was destroyed by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge in Manicaland Province.

According to a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) News Release, dated 23 July 2019, signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore, the SANDF engineers arrived at Kopa in Chimanimani on Monday 22 July 2019, to fulfil its pledge that was made by that country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu to assist Zimbabwe in rehabilitating road infrastructure in areas destroyed by the devastating Cyclone Idai.

ZNA says the SANDF engineers will be working closely together with their Zimbabwe National Army counterparts. The SANDF will be in the country until they finish the prioritised projects in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts respectively.

The coming in of SANDF’s equipment to Zimbabwe could have been misconstrued by Government detractors who claimed on social media Government had purchased military paraphernalia instead of the ZUPCO buses, from Belarus. The SANDF came with their equipment to support the ZNA in road rehabilitation at the affected areas.

The socio, economic, cultural and political relations that exist between Zimbabwe and South Africa continues to strengthen. In March this year, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa visited Zimbabwe for the Bi-National Commission between his country and Zimbabwe.

South Africa is Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner.