Deputy President Mashatile meets with Zimbabwe First Vice President for a Bilateral meeting

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile on Friday, 21 November 2025, had a bilateral meeting with Honourable General (Rtd) Dr Constantine GDN Chiwenga, First Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe at the The Catalyst Hotel, Sandton. 

The meeting takes place on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held from 22 until 23 November 2025 at Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

South Africa and Zimbabwe have cordial and fraternal relations forged during the struggle against Apartheid and colonialism. 

Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s main trading partners in the SADC region. In 2024, South Africa exported R 69,21 billion worth of goods and merchandise to Zimbabwe compared to R 57,5 billion in 2023.  

In terms of imports, in 2024, South Africa imported R5,4 billion worth of goods and merchandise from Zimbabwe compared to R R4,4billion in 2023.
 
South Africa is one of the top investors in the Zimbabwean economy. There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zimbabwe in various sectors including, among others, mining, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, construction and fast food.

“This meeting is important in the context of solidifying relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe, particularly trade and investment relations, and in advancing the strategic role of SADC at a regional level” said Deputy President Mashatile. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria