SOUTH AFRICA AND ZIMBABWE REINFORCE COOPERATION ON BORDER MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL PROTECTION

By Staff Reporter

• South Africa and Zimbabwe strengthened cooperation on border management and social development in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025.
• The safeguarding of unaccompanied minors crossing borders emerged as a central focus, supported by plans to establish a joint technical task team.
• Both countries committed to joint public awareness initiatives to improve compliance with travel and immigration requirements and reduce irregular movements.

Pretoria, 21 January 2026 – South Africa and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened bilateral cooperation on border management and social development following a high-level diplomatic engagement held at the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Arcadia, Pretoria.

The engagement brought together senior officials from the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Zimbabwean Embassy, and marked the official introduction of the newly appointed Embassy representative, Lovemore Mazemo.

Discussions focused on shared cross-border challenges, particularly the protection and safeguarding of unaccompanied minors crossing through the Beitbridge Port of Entry without the required travel documentation. The meeting also addressed concerns related to irregular cross-border movements by adults, including instances where travellers bypass designated ports of entry.

This collaboration is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 by the Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, and her Zimbabwean counterpart. The agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation on social development priorities, child protection, and cross-border coordination.

Border Management Authority Commissioner Michael Masiapato reaffirmed the strong collaboration between South African and Zimbabwean border authorities, emphasising the importance of joint approaches to address common migration challenges. The engagement explored opportunities for coordinated awareness initiatives to improve traveller compliance with immigration requirements.
Mr Mazemo welcomed the commitment shown by both countries in addressing the increase in cases involving unaccompanied minors and confirmed that Zimbabwean authorities remain fully engaged in strengthening preventative and protective measures. He further highlighted the importance of joint awareness campaigns targeting travellers, parents and guardians.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint technical task team to proactively address operational and policy matters related to cross-border movements, with a particular focus on child protection. The Zimbabwean Embassy also conveyed condolences to the Government and people of South Africa following the recent school transport tragedy involving learners.