The two day Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit hosted by President Jacob Zuma begins with a meeting of the Heads of States and Government this evening, 15 July 2010 in Pretoria.
The SACU Summit will continue tomorrow, 16 July, at the Presidential Guest House. During the summit, South Africa will assume the Chair of the SACU. The decision to convene the Summit was taken in April 2010 during the celebration of SACU’s 100 years of existence when member states reflected on SACU’s achievements and challenges.
The SACU Summit will be attended by the following Heads of State and Government: H.E Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana, Prime Minister Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili of the Kingdom of Lesotho, HE Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia, His Majesty King Mswati III Kingdom of Swaziland and President Jacob G Zuma of South Africa.
The SACU 100-year commemoration that was held on 22 April 2010 in Windhoek, Namibia, marked a milestone for the institution and demonstrates the important political, cultural, economic and developmental relationship that exists amongst the SACU member states.
The upcoming SACU Summit will address a range of issues that SACU has to deal with its progress as an organisation particularly the future strategic direction of SACU in view of recent regional and global economic and political developments.
There is consensus among SACU member states that in order to ensure that SACU remains a relevant and viable organisation, it has to be transformed into a vehicle that promotes sustainable development and economic integration dedicated to the welfare of its people for a common future. The SACU Summit will also reflect on the ongoing global economic challenges and consider ways for the organisation to address these challenges.
President Zuma is accompanied by Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry; Mr Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Finance and Ms Sue van der Merwe, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
For enquiries please contact:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148
Saul Kgomotso Molobi
Tel: 012 351 1000
Cell: 082 940 1647
E-mail: molobisk@dirco.gov.za
Media programme:
Venue : Presidential Guesthouse
Friday 16 July 2010
08h00 : Arrival of media at the Presidential Guesthouse
09h30 : Arrival of Heads of State/Government at the Presidential Guesthouse
(Photo opportunity)
10h00 : Welcome remarks by President Zuma
(Media in attendance)
10h15 : Media takes leave
12h30 : Media are conducted to the meeting room
- reading of communiqué
- closing remarks by President Zuma
(Media in attendance)
Members of the media wishing to cover the state visit are requested to send their details to Bongani Lukhele for accreditation at 078 526 8572 or BLukhele@thedti.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Curtis Singo
Cell: 072 625 7060
Source: The Presidency
