South Africa recalls its High Commissioner to India for "consultations" after meeting with ex-President Zuma, Ajay Gupta
Pretoria, August 7
The South African Government has recalled its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, for "further consultations" after reports of his association with former president Jacob Zuma and Indian-origin businessman Ajay Gupta recently surfaced.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that Sooklal had been called back to headquarters for "further consultations" and that the government was working on a new framework governing protocol and diplomatic support provided to former presidents and deputy presidents during international travel.
"An update on High Commissioner to India, High Commissioner Anil Sooklal. We confirm that High Commissioner Anil Sooklal has been recalled to the headquarters for further consultations," Lamola said.
He added that recommendations had been submitted to Parliament and the presidency for consideration of a revised framework to regulate diplomatic assistance extended to former leaders travelling abroad.
"We have also submitted the recommendations to Parliament and to the presidency to consider a new framework for protocol and diplomatic support to former presidents and former deputy presidents during international travel," Lamola said.
"As part of this framework, the president and DIRCO jointly established a mandatory disclosure mechanism, requiring former presidents and deputy presidents seeking protocol and diplomatic support to provide full details of the purposes of travel, programmes, activities, sources of funding, principal hosts, key engagements, and the capacity in which they will be travelling," he added.
The minister said the mechanism was aimed at ensuring proper assessment of potential reputational, political, diplomatic and security risks.
Lamola stressed that the move was intended to prevent situations where former leaders could be perceived as representing South Africa's foreign policy without authorisation from the sitting president.
"This will help us avoid a situation where former presidents portray themselves as also representing South Africa's foreign policy, particularly when they have not been mandated by the sitting head of state," he said.
Sooklal, who is of Indian origin, previously served as South Africa's G20 sherpa and BRICS sherpa before being appointed as the country's High Commissioner to India.
The recall comes after questions were raised over his engagements with former South African President Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta during Zuma's recent visit to Haridwar in June.
The Gupta family became a central figure in South Africa's "state capture" investigations after allegations emerged that they used their close relationship with then-president Zuma to influence government decisions and benefit from state contracts.
The Gupta brothers left South Africa in 2018 after a judicial commission began investigating allegations of widespread corruption and undue influence during Zuma's presidency.
During his Haridwar visit, Zuma was accompanied by Sooklal, where they met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri at the revered Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir.
Swami Kailashanand Giri told the media that Gupta, who was a member of the ashram family, was friends with Zuma.
"Former South African President Jacob Zuma visited Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir today. He is friends with Ajay Gupta, who is a disciple and member of the ashram family," Swami Kailashanand Giri said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Gupta brothers have been a stain on South Africa's political landscape for years. It's sad to see an accomplished Indian-origin diplomat getting caught up in this mess. But rules are rules - if you're representing a country, you can't be seen hobnobbing with disgraced figures. South Africa is right to enforce discipline.
Good on South Africa for taking a firm stance. We in India often turn a blind eye to our former leaders and their questionable connections. This new framework requiring full disclosure of travel purposes and funding sources is something even we should adopt for our ex-PMs and ministers. Transparency is key! 🇮🇳
As someone who follows South African politics, this isn't surprising. The Guptas have deep roots in both India and South Africa, and their influence has always been murky. Haridwar is a holy place - it's unfortunate that a spiritual visit turned into a diplomatic controversy.
Honestly, I feel bad for Sooklal. He's a respected BRICS sherpa and has done great work in international diplomacy. But being seen with Zuma and Ajay Gupta, especially after the state capture scandal, is a career-ending move. Sometimes even a simple temple visit can have huge diplomatic consequences. Lesson for all diplomats! 🙏
This is more about South Africa tightening its diplomatic protocol than about punishing Sooklal. Every country needs to ensure its ambassadors don't inadvertently endorse controversial figures. The new disclosure mechanism is a sensible step, though the timing definitely raises eyebrows.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.