The President of the Republic, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma will host the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State and Government from 15 to 16 July 2010 at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
It should be noted that the Republic of South Africa is assuming the Chair of SACU, and the decision to convene this Summit was taken in April this year during the centenary celebrations of SACU’s existence in Windhoek, Namibia.
It is expected that this SACU Summit will be attended by His Excellency Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana, Prime Minister Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili of the Kingdom of Lesotho Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia, His Majesty King Mswati III Kingdom of Swaziland and President Jacob G Zuma of South Africa.
Having just turned 100 years old, it can be expected that as the Customs Union looks forward to another millennium it naturally has to take stock of its own achievements and most importantly identify its short-to-medium challenges. There is general consensus among SACU member countries that in order for the Customs Union to remain relevant and viable, resources have to be invested into transforming it into a vehicle that promotes sustainable development and economic integration all dedicated to the welfare of its people for a common future.
It is in this vein that the programme for the Summit has prioritised dealing with the "Challenges confronting SACU" and consideration of “Future strategies for SACU” in view of the recent regional and global economic challenges. At the end of the Summit, it is envisaged that Resolutions of the Summit will be adopted, including the Adoption of a Communique of the Meeting of Heads of State and Government.
This sequence of events should be possible in view of the fact that this Summit was preceded by a meeting of the SACU Council of Ministers on 14 July 2010, consisting of Ministers of Trade and Industry and Finance.
For enquiries please contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024
Saul Kgomotso Molobi
Tel: 012 351 1000
Cell: 082 940 1647
E-mail: molobisk@dirco.gov.za
