Top South African army generals who visited Kopa Growth Point in Chimanimani this Tuesday have commended progress made in the construction of the two bridges that were destroyed by Cyclone Idai early this year saying cooperation enhances regional capacity.
The generals who arrived in the country on Monday on a familiarisation visit to Chimanimani have hailed their relationship with Zimbabwe’s military saying it is a show of unity and regional capacity.
South African military engineers are on the ground with local military engineers in constructing two bridges that were destroyed by Cyclone Idai in March this year.
Speaking to ZBC News during a tour of the two bridges, South African Defence Forces Director for Peace Support Operations Brigadier-General Zwelithini Ngcobo, said the continued positive relationship has united the countries beyond geographical demarcations.
“When we are in Zimbabwe we feel at home. Zimbabwe and South Africa are one. The relationship and our welcome here by locals is quite commendable, it shows our Ubuntu as Africans and the positive relationship we share in all sphere,” said Brigadier Gen. Ngcobo
Accompanying the top generals, South African ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Mphakama Mbete, said the gesture further cements the positive political and economic bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries.
“Our relationship is far beyond what is reported in the media. Zimbabwe and South Africa’s relationship dates back to the war of liberation and the coming in of our generals is proof that we are one family,” explained Ambassador Mbete
Host generals, Commander 3 Infantry Brigade Brigadier General George Chitsva and Commander Zimbabwe Corps of Engineers Colonel Aaron Edwards were at hand to welcome their counterparts. Saying they were delighted by the visit of their South African counterparts as it shows brotherly conduct especially in times of need.
Meanwhile, the first bridge at Kopa Site 1 is complete while projections are that the second bridge will also be complete by mid November.
