By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Two Countries Marathon is emerging as a platform for boosting cross-border trade, cultural exchange and economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The second edition of the revived marathon brought together athletes, officials, businesses and communities from Beitbridge and Musina, with speakers highlighting the potential of the event to strengthen economic and social ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe said the marathon had grown beyond sport and was helping to strengthen relations between communities on either side of the international border.
“It is my hope that gathered as we are, we have realised that this Two Countries Marathon is a special type of event that goes beyond sport but further goes to celebrate friendship, cooperation, our cultures and the relationships between two communities on either side of the Limpopo River,” Nguluvhe said.
He urged communities from Zimbabwe and South Africa to continue interacting, trading and visiting each other while embracing their shared cultural connections.
“As such, I urge us to continue interacting, trading, visiting and embracing each other and connecting our cultures in the same manner that our athletes have raced and embraced each other,” he said.
Nguluvhe said the event demonstrated what could be achieved when institutions and communities work together around a common objective.
He also called for the marathon to be expanded beyond Zimbabwe and South Africa to include other countries along the Trans-Limpopo corridor and beyond.
Beitbridge Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta said the marathon was demonstrating the value of cooperation between the two municipalities.
“Today, we have witnessed more than just an athletic competition across the Limpopo, we have witnessed a powerful demonstration of brotherhood, regional integration, and shared unity,” Mafuta said.
He said the cooperation between Beitbridge and Musina showed that the Limpopo River could serve as a connection between communities rather than a barrier.
“The seamless collaboration between Beitbridge and Musina continues to prove that the Limpopo River does not divide us it connects us,” he said.
Mafuta also recognised the role of the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative (TLSDI) in promoting socio-economic connectivity, trade, culture and sport along the corridor.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture head of department Veronica Mokgonyana said the marathon was strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa while creating opportunities for trade and cultural exchange.
“The second edition of the Two Nations Marathon is growing from strength to strength,” Mokgonyana said.
She said the event was fostering social cohesion, nation building and regional integration between the two countries.
“This marathon is growing to greater heights. You can clearly see that we are cementing the relations that we are having between the two countries,” she said.
Mokgonyana said the marathon was also giving businesses and communities an opportunity to showcase and exchange locally produced arts, crafts and heritage products.
“Whatever that we are having in South Africa, we are coming to Zimbabwe to sell whatever that we are having. I saw artefacts coming from South Africa. I saw artefacts coming from Zimbabwe,” she said.
She said such exchanges were helping communities share their cultural heritage while stimulating trade between the two countries.
Mokgonyana added that the marathon was providing a platform for stronger conversations and social interaction between communities on both sides of the Limpopo.
The event therefore continues to position sport as a bridge for wider cooperation, with organisers and officials seeing potential for the marathon to contribute to trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange along the Trans-Limpopo corridor.