Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations following the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.

President Mnangagwa said the high-level meeting with Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko marks a shift toward stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

“The outcomes of this Session are both instructive and forward-looking. They demonstrate our shared resolve to transform our longstanding political relations into a more dynamic, results-driven economic partnership,” he said.

The Zimbabwean leader emphasized that agreements signed at the BNC must now deliver tangible results, particularly in trade, investment and infrastructure development.

“The agreements… must now serve as instruments for accelerated trade, enhanced investment flows, industrial collaboration and sustainable development,” he added.

Key priorities include the operationalisation of the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana One-Stop Border Post, removal of non-tariff barriers and expansion of cross-border infrastructure to improve trade efficiency.

Earlier, President Boko highlighted the deep historical ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, describing the relationship as a foundation for shared prosperity.

“These ties continue to provide a firm foundation upon which we advance our common aspirations for prosperity, stability and sustainable development,” he said.

He noted that the Bi-National Commission remains a critical platform for cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, health and security.

The two leaders agreed that regional cooperation within SADC is essential in addressing global economic challenges, improving trade flows and boosting investment.

With increased focus on implementation, private sector participation and infrastructure development, the Zimbabwe-Botswana partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing regional integration and economic growth in Southern Africa.

Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.

The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.

On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.

The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.

A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.

Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.

While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.

Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.

There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.

Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.

Team dynamics were another key storyline.

Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.

In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.

As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.

Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.

By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.

Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.

However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.

With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.

If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday toured the ongoing construction works at the Mabvuku Interchange along Mutare Road, assessing progress on one of the capital’s most anticipated traffic decongestion projects.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, inspected the scale of the earthworks, drainage systems, and the rising structural pillars that will define the new flyover.

President Mnangagwa (centre) points towards the eastern span of the interchange as Minister Felix Mhona (right) explains the project’s phasing.

The President walks along the compacted gravel shoulder of the interchange, wearing a hard hat and safety vest. He pauses to inspect the reinforced steel bars (rebar) of a support column, with Minister Mhona looking on.

A wide shot of the Mabvuku interchange site, showing the scale of excavation and the new road alignment taking shape against the backdrop of the high-density suburb.

His Excellency engages directly with site engineers and construction workers, receiving a technical briefing on the project’s timeline and the durability of materials being used.

The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Harare’s road network and reduce bottlenecks at major intersections.