The Union meets annually to maintain the free interchange of goods between member countries.

The meeting, themed ‘Implementing a Common Agenda towards Regional Integration in Southern Africa’, will also adopt a new vision and mission.

SACU is one of the oldest customs in the world, established in 1910 as a Customs Union Agreement between South Africa and the High Commission of Territories of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. Namibia joined Sacu in 1990 after its independence.

The primary goal of the union is to promote economic development through regional coordination of trade.

Zuma, who is accompanied by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and Deputy Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, joins heads of state from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. – BuaNews