Four key issues Mugabe is discussing in South Africa

President Robert Mugabe, who is on a two-day state visit to South Africa, the first in 20 years, is discussing four keys issues with Pretoria, presidential spokesman George Charamba told The Herald.

Mugabe is discussing:

1. the upgrading of bilateral relations beyond the traditional joint permanent commission on the basis that Zimbabwe has been historically South Africa’s biggest trading partner in Africa;
2. a just, fair and reciprocal trade relationship;
3. establishing joint ventures in mining on the understanding that Zimbabwe’s mining sector is a strong economic proposition; and
4. recognising the contributions Zimbabweans working in South Africa are making to that economy and ensuring that their role is appreciated.

South Africa granted Zimbabweans special four-year permits in 2010. It has extended the special permits, for those who qualify, by another three years.

There had been wide reports especially in the South African media that Mugabe was looking for an economic bail out from Pretoria.

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