From (left-to-right), Zimbabwean entrepreneur based in South Africa Frank Buyanga, standing next to South African President Cyril Ramphosa at the inauguration of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa

by DOUGLAS REDFERN
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has urged European countries to support reforms embarked on by Zimbabwe to resolve political and economic crisis.

Speaking in Belgium where he led the South African delegation at the seventh European Union (EU) – South Africa Summit, Ramaphosa advocated for the removal and of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the continental bloc following years of violations by the former president, Robert Mugabe.

“Zimbabwe is on a path of great reforms,” Ramaphosa said.

“This needs to be supported as Zimbabwe has turned a corner,” the South African leader said.

Zimbabwe’s government of Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed determination to revive the country’s fortunes but restrictive measures by the West are largely an impediment, resulting in recurring economic problems.

Meanwhile, the administration’s plans to resolve the challenges received a major boost this week after a South African-based company owned by a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Frank Buyanga, availed US$35 million to procure and deliver fuel, pharmaceuticals and other products that are in short supply.

Government granted African Medallion Group (AMG) approval following its recent request to assist.

The offer by AMG to Zimbabwe comes as the two-year-old start-up attains massive financial growth.

AMG’s gold reserves have spiked to R6 billion ($428 million) in 2018.

Dr John Mangudya, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, this week appreciated AMG’s desire to contribute to the solution to the challenges facing the country.

“(RBZ) wishes to advise that you directly approach the importers of the proposed commodities. This is due to the fact that the buyers will be using their free funds to pay for the imports,” the letter read.

– CAJ News