EXHIBIT 32.2

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


I, William S. Hummers III, the Executive Vice President and Principal  Financial
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/ William S. Hummers III
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William S. Hummers III
Executive Vice President and Principal Financial Officer
The South Financial Group, Inc.
August 12, 2003