Challenges facing the five member states of the Southern African Customs Union, (Sacu) need urgent attention in order to cement trade relations and improve the lives of the people. This is one of the deliberations by the Sacu Summit that was held at Lozitha Palace in Swaziland this week.
President Jacob Zuma told member countries that they have a mandate to make sure that the union has programmes which promote economic development.
However, the summit started on a sad note following the passing of former Botswana President, Sir Ketumile Masire.
Zuma did not mince his words in saying that Sacu needs to move beyond its colonial history and work towards strengthening inter trade relations among member states.
The member states are Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland and they have a common goal which is to make sure of the well-being of citizens of these countries.
The fifth Sacu Summit was held in Swaziland under the chairmanship of King Mswati III.
Zuma says he is satisfied with Sacu’s performance thus far.
King Mswati III says hosting the 2017’s Sacu Summit brings joy to the whole Kingdom of Swaziland. He says he is grateful for the opportunity he was granted to be the chairperson of Sacu.
All five member states observed a moment of silence in honour of Botswana’s former President Sir Ketumile Masire and Namibia’s former President Toivo Ya Toivo.
The two African leaders were described as heroes who played a big role in the liberation of millions of people throughout Africa.
In August Botswana will be taking over the reigns and become the chair of Sacu.
President Jacob Zuma arriving at the Lozitha Palace for the 5th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit in Manzini, Swaziland. pic.twitter.com/y2rc0S6n16
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) June 23, 2017
President Jacob Zuma delivering his remarks the 5th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit in Manzini, Kingdom of Swaziland. pic.twitter.com/qFVggWpo0z
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) June 23, 2017
– By Abongile Dumako
