By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa and Mozambique jointly launched a domestic gas processing unit built by Sasol, which is expected to bolster regional energy security and industrial development.
The facility, which cost $1 billion will produce 30,000 tonnes of LPG annually to meet about 75% of Mozambique’s cooking gas needs and significantly reduce its dependence on imports.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo witnessed the launch of a flagship project in energy, at the Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility in Temane.
Ramaphosa is in Maputo for the 4th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries.
The president is accompanied by delegation which includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, and Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, among others.
Ramaphosa said the two countries agreed to identify opportunities and explore investment avenues for benefit.
He explained that the launch of the Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility, exemplified how neighbouring countries can collaborate effectively and said the project also illustrated how public-private sector partnerships could be used successfully.
Both countries signed the memoranda of understanding, on Wednesday, which Ramaphosa said was a significant development and provided impetus towards concretising cooperation.
“Our current cooperation should be amplified through deeper cooperation in energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, financial services, telecommunications, health, tourism and hospitality.
Our countries are endowed with rich natural resources, both on land and offshore. We will pursue cooperation in the defence and security sector, including on issues of border management,” he said.
The BNC, serves as the central mechanism guiding cooperation between the two neighbours. More than 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed over the years, covering areas such as agriculture, defence, border management, health, labour, customs administration and investment facilitation.
Chapo described Ramaphosa’s presence in Mozambique as deeply significant and symbolic of the long-standing friendship between the nations.
“His presence is special because we are welcoming not only a Head of State, but also an older brother and a great friend, whose leadership and closeness Mozambique always welcomes with enormous respect and appreciation,” Chapo said.
He added that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond diplomacy, reflecting a historic and cultural brotherhood and a common struggle for freedom, now carried forward through a shared commitment to development and prosperity.
“This gesture goes beyond diplomacy. It is the living expression of a historic and cultural brotherhood and a common struggle for freedom, consolidated today in our commitment to mutual prosperity,” Chapo said.