The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) is hosting Burundi’s ambassador to South Africa, Alexis Bukuru, on a two-day diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, fostering trade opportunities, and exploring investment collaborations between the district and the City of Bujumbura.
Bukuru is joined on the two-day visit by Robert Mugalula, the CEO of the East African Investment Trade Promotion Agency (EAITPA), as well as Ambrose Oketa, the executive director for trade and international relations.
Sizani said their visit follows bilateral discussions in Pretoria last month and aims to explore trade and collaboration opportunities. The focus areas include agriculture, water and sanitation, irrigation schemes, and infrastructure development.
Ambassador Bukuru expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the shared vision between South Africa and Burundi for a united and prosperous Africa.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration at a local level, proposing a twinning relationship between CHDM and a municipality in Burundi to facilitate cultural exchange, governance partnerships, and sustainable development.
“South Africa and Burundi share a bond firmly rooted in the ideals of African solidarity and mutual respect. As we gather here today, I am reminded of the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ This visit is about going far—together,” said Bukuru.
The ambassador outlined potential investment opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure, encouraging South African businesses to explore expansion into Burundi. “Burundi offers fertile lands, a strategic location in East Africa, and an improving business climate. We are eager to partner with South African investors to unlock these opportunities for shared growth,” he added.
Discussions also touched on knowledge-sharing in key sectors such as education, mining, and manufacturing. Mayor Sizani said this would see teacher exchange programs and engineering expertise to support infrastructure projects in Burundi.
A key aspect of the visit is also strengthening people-to-people ties. “Beyond trade and investment, we must deepen our understanding of each other’s traditions and values. I envision a future where students from Burundi study in South Africa, where South African artists perform in Burundi, and where we celebrate the unity in our diversity,” Bukuru stated.
The delegation’s itinerary includes engagements at the CHDM Council Chambers and site visits to key projects, including the Tsomo Water Treatment Works.
The discussions and agreements from this visit are expected to lay the foundation for a long-term partnership benefit both communities.
