Mugabe to take Grace to SA

President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe and first lady‚ Grace‚ are expected to touch down at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria this afternoon for an official state visit to South Africa

PRETORIA- President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe and first lady‚ Grace‚ are expected to touch down at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria this afternoon for an official state visit to South Africa

According to the department of international relations and cooperation‚ the first couple will be received by president Jacob Zuma. The purpose of Mugabe’s visit remains unclear‚ with the international relations and cooperation only saying it was for the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

A statement from the ministry of International Relations says “the objective of the visit is to consult on issues of mutual interest‚ paying particular focus on bilateral and economic co-operation‚ including regional and continental matters.”

It goes on to say the visit would also strengthen historical‚ cultural and fraternal bonds that exist between the two countries. The Times understands Mugabe is bringing with him an entourage of cabinet ministers and a business delegation on his first state visit to the neighbouring SA in over two decades.

Tomorrow Mugabe and his entourage will meet Zuma at the Union Buildings for a welcoming ceremony and then the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

This will be followed by a courtesy call on Mugabe by deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sheraton hotel in Arcadia. On Thursday morning‚ the day on which the Zimbabwe delegation is expected to conclude its visit‚ the SA-Zimbabwe Business Forum meeting will be held at the Sheraton hotel. – TimesLive