The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province and Member of Parliament for Beitbridge East Constituency, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, today officiated as Guest of Honour at the 2026 Two Countries Marathon, a unique cross-border sporting event linking Zimbabwe and South Africa.
This year’s flagship marathon started in Musina, South Africa, and finished at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, under the theme “Two Nations, One Race, One Vision.” The event featured 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km categories and continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening bilateral relations, sport tourism and community integration between the two neighbouring countries.
Hon. Nguluvhe delivered the keynote address and later presented prizes and medals to athletes who finished in positions one to five in the various categories.
In his remarks, the Minister commended the Trans-Limpopo Development Initiative and all partners and stakeholders involved in organising the successful event.
He emphasised that the Two Countries Marathon goes beyond promoting athletics and healthy lifestyles, as it also strengthens unity, people-to-people relations, tourism, trade and business linkages between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Hon. Nguluvhe encouraged participants, visitors and businesspeople attending the event to interact, build networks and explore the investment opportunities available in Beitbridge and the wider Matabeleland South Province.
He reiterated that Zimbabwe is Open for Business and encouraged investors to take advantage of Beitbridge's strategic position as a gateway for regional trade and investment.
The Minister congratulated every athlete who participated, noting that completing and participating in such a cross-border sporting event was itself an achievement, regardless of finishing position.
Hon. Nguluvhe further announced that Matabeleland South Province will this year host representatives from the Trans-Limpopo Development Initiative member countries, assuring delegates that the Province is ready to welcome them.
In his closing remarks, the Mayor of Beitbridge, Mr Pirato, highlighted the continued growth of the Two Countries Marathon, noting that this year's event also attracted participants from Kenya.
He described the staging of a marathon spanning two countries with one finishing point as a significant achievement and testimony to the growing cooperation and friendship among communities in the region.
*Attendees*
The event was attended by Hon. T. Ndou, Member of Parliament for Beitbridge West Constituency; Mr Pirato, Mayor of Beitbridge; Dr O. Sibanda of the Trans-Limpopo Development Initiative; Cllr Mathukha Rose, representing the Mayor of Vhembe District; Cllr Milanzi Vivian, representing the Mayor of Musina; the Head of Department for Sport, Arts and Culture, representing the Co-Chair of the JEC of the TLSDI; and a delegation of councillors from Limpopo, among other stakeholders, athletes and members of the community.
The successful marathon reaffirmed the strong historical, social and economic ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa and demonstrated how sport can serve as a bridge for regional integration, tourism, investment and sustainable development.