EXHIBIT 32.1

                  CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                           PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350
                 (SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)




I, Mack I. Whittle,  Jr., Chief Executive  Officer of The South Financial Group,
Inc.  ("TSFG") certify that to the best of my knowledge,  based upon a review of
the  quarterly  report on Form 10-Q for the period  ended June 30,  2003 of TSFG
(the "Report"):


         (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

         (2) The  information  contained in the Report fairly  presents,  in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         TSFG.



/s/ Mack I. Whittle, Jr.
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Mack I. Whittle, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
The South Financial Group, Inc.
August 12, 2003