ELLEN MLAMBO
TWO NATIONS REPORTER

BEITBRIDGE- Beitbridge Rural District Council (BRDC) has twinned with South Africa’s Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province in a bid to strengthen economic, social and development ties.
Vhembe Municipality runs several towns including Makhado, Thulamela, Collins Chabane and Musina.
BRDC CEO Peter Moyo confirmed the development to Two Nations and said the initiative is part of the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development which is meant to create collaborative mechanisms between SA and Zimbabwe.
He also said that Vhembe Municipality officials including executive mayor, Nenguda Dowelani are currently in Beitbridge for a two-day familiarization tour.
“The exchange will turn the two councils into development hubs that will see significant investment and progress that will uplift the livelihoods of residents while allowing unity between Zimbabwe and South Africa as they have a shared culture and history,” said Moyo.
Dowelani told Two Nations that the arrangement will promote the economy of the two districts by creating markets for each other while promoting social cohesion which will put an end to xenophobia.
“The joint collaboration will improve economic opportunities for the two countries by creating new markets. It will go a long way in promoting social cohesion which will address the problem of xenophobia,” said Dowelani.
He also said that the Joint Local Authority Executive Council (JLEC) which comprises members from the two councils will meet once a year while selected executives from both councils will meet twice per year.
BRDC chairman, Luka Costa Ndou told Two Nations that BRDC and Musina local authority have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed some time back.
He also said that the visit cements the relationship between the two councils and allows the exchange of ideas for mutual benefit.
“We are happy with this collaboration. It strengthens our unity and provides a platform for the exchange of ideas for the mutual benefit of our people. We hope to continue working together as we are one people,” said Ndou.
The twinning arrangement can only be terminated after a six month written notice has been given by either local authority.