South Africa Plans New Rules On Ex-Leaders' Foreign Trips After Zuma's Visit to India
A formal investigation follows the envoy’s appearance with Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta, after officials said 1 diplomat’s conduct raised concerns about judgment.
- On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, South Africa recalled High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal to Pretoria following a controversial June 26 photograph showing him with former President Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta at a temple in Haridwar.
- The Gupta family fled South Africa in 2018 amid investigations into 'State Capture,' a massive fraud scandal involving former President Zuma, who now leads the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe party.
- Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni described Sooklal's appearance as a "level of disgrace" for "hobnobbing" with wanted fugitives. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola ordered an internal inquiry.
- Although Sooklal was "recalled to the headquarters for further consultations," Department of International Relations and Cooperation sources defended the diplomat, claiming he executed standard head office directives for former heads of state.
- Lamola recommended a new framework requiring former presidents to "provide full details" on foreign travel, including funding and hosts. The "mandatory disclosure mechanism" aims to prevent future reputational risks.
13 Articles
13 Articles
'Accountability cannot be selective': ActionSA slams decision not to sanction India envoy Anil Sooklal
The decision not to sanction India envoy Anil Sooklal has drawn criticism from ActionSA, which says the matter raises questions about accountability, ethical standards and the government’s response to concerns linked to State Capture.
'Disgraceful' India trip: Zuma, Guptas spark diplomatic recall for SA high commissioner
South Africa has recalled High Commissioner Anil Sooklal from New Delhi to Pretoria following a highly controversial temple gathering with former president Jacob Zuma and corruption-linked businessman Ajay Gupta. Sooklal was pictured alongside Zuma and Gupta in late June 2026 at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar, northern India. This appearance has triggered a massive diplomatic storm and a formal departmental investigation orde…
DIRCO recalls envoy to India after Zuma trip, plans tighter rules for former Presidents’ travel
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that it has recalled its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, and will introduce stricter travel rules for former Presidents and Deputy Presidents. This follows Jacob Zuma’s recent controversial trip to the sub-continent, during which he visited one of the State-Capture accused Gupta brothers, Ajay. Sooklal has been recalled to Pretoria for consultations, wh…
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