The Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) would meet in Namibia over the weekend, to try and reach a consensus on the economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU), which is pushing for the agreement to be signed by January.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) DG Tshediso Matona stated that South Africa felt that the draft EPA was not mutually beneficial and that provisions in the document were at odds with various government policies.

"The other countries in Sacu may not see matters in the same way, and it is understandable because our economy is different. South Africa is the largest economy in the region and in the customs union, it is much more complex and diversified."

It was because of this that the interests of member countries of Sacu, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland, would not always coincide, and that it was not up to South Africa to dictate which position to take, Matona noted.

"Any suggestion that we are a bully is without any foundation," he said.

Under the trade policy signed by Sacu members, no member of the union could enter third party agreements without all the members being jointly informed and taking part in joint negotiations.

"Ideally, there should be a consensus within the union with regard to what stance we take, not only in relation to the EU, but also in regard to negotiations with the World Trade Organisation," Matona said.

He added that South Africa has informed the EU that it should respect the region's integration agenda, and should not allow its own interests with regard to a trade relationship with Africa, to upset or fragment the region.

However, Matona insisted that Sacu had not taken a decision to dissolve itself, and South Africa has not considered withdrawing from the union.

"The customs union still remains in place and the agreements still remain in place. I am hoping that during the meeting over the weekend, we find each other with regard to our relationship with the EU."