A South African evangelist, Reini Coetzee, has arrived in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, as part of an extraordinary faith-driven expedition that will see him walk from Cape Town to Israel while carrying a wooden cross.

Coetzee, who began his journey earlier this year, plans to cover an estimated 10,000 kilometres, moving through several African countries before eventually heading toward the Middle East. His pilgrimage, he says, is guided by a deep conviction to share hope, peace, and the love of Christ with the people he meets along the way.

Speaking during his stop in Masvingo, the evangelist said he is relying entirely on God for strength, protection, and provision.

“I am trusting God to bring people who will support me along the way,” he said, noting that he does not travel with a support vehicle or team. Instead, he depends on the kindness of strangers and the hospitality of communities he passes through.

Coetzee says the walk is not a race but a spiritual assignment. He takes each day as it comes, allowing God to guide his steps and the encounters he has along the road.

Along his journey, Coetzee takes time to pray with individuals, encourage families, and speak to communities about the message of Christ. The wooden cross he carries has become a symbol of hope and a conversation starter everywhere he goes.

Zimbabwe is strategically positioning its economic future in closer alignment with China, as both nations enter a period of overlapping reform agendas, according to political analyst Dereck Goto.

Speaking at a Xinhua News Agency–hosted dialogue at the Golden Peacock Hotel, Goto noted that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) closely corresponds with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), creating opportunities for synchronised reforms under President Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“This alignment offers a rare chance to enhance cooperation in technology, industry, energy, and governance the convergence provides Zimbabwe with strategic advantages at a pivotal stage of its reform process,” Goto said

He also underscored the political significance of China’s decision on 4 September 2025 to elevate its relationship with Zimbabwe to an “All-Weather Community with a Shared Future.”

“This is one of China’s top partnership recognitions, reflecting deep political trust and positioning Zimbabwe as a strategic ally rather than a subordinate partner,” Goto explained.

The analyst highlighted China’s longstanding support, from the liberation era to major projects such as the Kariba South Extension, Victoria Falls International Airport, and the National Defence University.

Under NDS1, cooperation continued with Hwange Units 7 and 8, the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the New Parliament Building, and the Dinson Iron and Steel Company.

Goto further stated that the parallel of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with NDS2 could fast-track Zimbabwe’s ambitions in energy transition, manufacturing, digital innovation, and the electric vehicle and lithium sectors.

“If leveraged properly, the period from 2026 to 2030 could mark a defining chapter where our countries evolve from strong partners to a shared destiny,” he concluded.

South Africa has announced that it will not take part in the 2026 G20 activities following its exclusion by the United States, which assumes leadership of the grouping next year. Government officials described the decision as a “commercial break” for the duration of Washington’s presidency.

The announcement comes after U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued a sharp statement on Wednesday confirming that South Africa would not receive an invitation to the U.S.-chaired G20. Rubio criticised Pretoria’s policy direction, claiming that its land reform approach, regulatory framework and equity laws had weakened investor confidence and hampered economic growth. He also accused the government of pushing what he termed “extreme agendas” linked to climate policy, diversity programmes and an overreliance on external assistance.

Rubio went further, alleging that the ruling party had blamed both citizens and international partners for domestic challenges, tolerated attacks on white farmers, and forged close ties with states viewed unfavourably by Washington. He also accused South Africa of ignoring U.S. positions, frustrating negotiations, and exposing personal details of American officials during its recent G20 presidency.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that South Africa plans to resume its participation once the G20 chairmanship rotates in 2027. Until then, Pretoria will stay out of all G20 engagements.

Political analysts warn that stepping back from the forum could reduce South Africa’s influence on major global issues, especially climate finance, debt relief and development priorities for the Global South. With geopolitical tensions rising, some observers caution that the withdrawal could weaken collective advocacy by developing countries.