SOUTH AFRICA AND ZIMBABWE SIGN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AGREEMENT

By DSD News

• Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe signed a cooperation agreement with Zimbabwe to strengthen joint social development initiatives.
• The agreement expands collaboration on child protection, social protection, substance abuse prevention and support for vulnerable groups.
• Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional solidarity and inclusive development through the Bi-National Commission framework.

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, joined her Zimbabwean counterpart, Hon Edgar Moyo, in Harare today (Wednesday, 17 December 2025,) for the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe in the field of Social Development.
The signing marked an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, building on deep historical, political, social and economic ties rooted in regional solidarity and cooperation.
At the outset of her remarks, Minister Tolashe conveyed South Africa’s deepest condolences to the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the tragic collapse of a mining shaft at the Chegutu Alisha Mine. She expressed sympathy with the families and communities affected by the incident, reaffirming South Africa’s solidarity with Zimbabwe during this difficult time.
Minister Tolashe expressed appreciation to Hon Moyo and the Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, for agreeing at short notice to finalise the cooperation agreement before the end of the year. She also thanked the Government and people of Zimbabwe for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation during their visit to Harare.
The Minister further acknowledged Zimbabwe’s support and solidarity during South Africa’s year-long presidency of the G20, which culminated in the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg. She noted that South Africa was humbled to have represented the collective voice of the African continent on the global stage.
Reflecting on the long-standing relationship between the two countries, Minister Tolashe emphasised that regional cooperation remains critical to addressing shared socio-economic challenges, particularly amid global uncertainty, rising inequality, and development pressures.
The cooperation agreement builds on a previous agreement signed in Pretoria in 2011 and reflects sustained collaboration through high-level exchanges, knowledge sharing and joint initiatives. These efforts have focused on care and support services for vulnerable groups, substance abuse interventions and child protection, particularly for unaccompanied and separated children.
She highlighted the role of the Cross-Border Forum, which meets quarterly and brings together government, civil society and development partners, including UNICEF and the International Organisation for Migration, to address challenges affecting children on the move. Minister Tolashe expressed appreciation for the continued support of civil society organisations, including Save the Children South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The newly signed agreement expands cooperation to include social protection and referral mechanisms for vulnerable groups, as well as joint efforts to address drug demand reduction, particularly in response to the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs in the SADC region.
Minister Tolashe noted that the agreement comes at a crucial time as both countries work to accelerate progress on their national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She expressed optimism that a Joint Implementation Plan, expected to be finalised ahead of the next Bi-National Commission meeting in South Africa, would translate the agreement into tangible programmes and projects.
In her concluding remarks, the Minister acknowledged the commitment and diligence demonstrated by officials from both nations in bringing the agreement to fruition. She described the signing as evidence of the strong and forward-looking partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
She thanked the Government and people of Zimbabwe for their continued friendship and support, and wished all present a peaceful and joyful festive season.