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SA’s High Commissioner to India Cleared over Gupta, Zuma Meeting
DIRCO said the mission did not arrange private meetings and that Sooklal has returned to New Delhi after a weeks-long inquiry.
- Prof Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, has returned to his post in New Delhi after the Department of International Relations and Cooperation cleared him of misconduct regarding his June temple attendance.
- A widely circulated social media photograph of Sooklal alongside former President Jacob Zuma and fugitive Ajay Gupta at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar sparked intense political backlash in late June.
- DIRCO's investigation confirmed the High Commissioner attended as an invited guest among approximately 1,000 attendees, reporting zero direct interaction with Gupta. The department found no evidence Sooklal facilitated meetings between Zuma and Gupta.
- The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation welcomed the conclusion, with Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo stating they are "satisfied that the matter has been dealt with transparently" and reaffirming confidence in Sooklal.
- To prevent future diplomatic fallouts, DIRCO recommended a new protocol mechanism to assess reputational and security risks during private visits by former heads of state following the Haridwar controversy.
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South Africa: Media Statement - Ir Committee Welcomes Conclusion of Dirco Investigation Into High Commissioner Prof Anil Sooklal
Press Release - The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation welcomes the conclusion of the investigation by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) regarding the South African High Commissioner to India, Prof Anil Sooklal.
·Washington, United States
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Anil Sooklal cleared by DIRCO after Zuma-Gupta temple meeting
Anil Sooklal has been cleared of wrongdoing following his controversial appearance alongside former president Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta in India. The post Anil Sooklal cleared by DIRCO after Zuma-Gupta temple meeting appeared first on SA People.
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