South Africa´s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Prof Mlungisi Makhalima, bade farewell to the host country last Wednesday, following the completion of his tenure.

Makhalima has been South Africa´s chief diplomat to Zimbabwe for the past five years and is heading back to Pretoria. He was based at the country’s embassy in Harare. He will be replaced by Mr Vusi Mavimbela, director-general in South Africa´s Presidency.

Mr Mavimbela has worked as secretary for education in the ANC Youth League and political advisor in the office of former President Thabo Mbeki. He also worked as the director-general of the National Intelligence Agency, before he was promoted to the post of director-general in the Presidency.

Speaking to journalists, Zimbabwe’s vice president, Mr John Nkomo, lauded the outgoing South African ambassador and thanked him for the role he played in strengthening relations between Harare and Pretoria during his term of office. He said the two countries had signed numerous bilateral agreements to cement the already-existing cordial relations.

"We have made tremendous strides and we have our Joint Commission on Economic Co-operation working very well. We also have another bilateral agreement on defence and security," Makhalima said.

He said the two countries had also signed another bilateral agreement on investment promotion to boost trade relations.