Differences remain but SACU ties thaw

Conciliatory statements emerged from the two-day ministers and heads of state meeting, indicating that the hawks could be losing ground to the doves in intra-SACU politics. Host President, Jacob Zuma said: "What impressed me personally was that our discussions were guided by the spirit of frankness and a desire to make SACU a vehicle to improve the life of the ordinary people of the region."

Zuma was quoted in April saying: "The future of the customs union is undoubtedly in question, if it cannot operate as a unified group."