Cape Town – South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has been cleared of wrongdoing following an internal review into his involvement in former president Jacob Zuma’s controversial visit to India.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announced the outcome of its consultations with Sooklal on Wednesday, saying the South African High Commission did not arrange or facilitate any private meeting between Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta.
The controversy began after photographs emerged in July showing Zuma, Gupta and Sooklal at a religious event in Haridwar, India, during Zuma’s private visit from 25 to 27 June.
The images sparked questions over whether the South African envoy had facilitated contact between Zuma and Gupta, who has been linked to the state capture allegations that dominated Zuma’s presidency.
According to IOL, DIRCO subsequently sought an explanation from Sooklal and recalled him to headquarters for consultations. At the time, the department said it was reviewing the circumstances surrounding his attendance at the event and the protocols governing official support for former presidents travelling abroad.
According to DIRCO’s latest assessment, the South African High Commission’s involvement in Zuma’s trip was limited to routine protocol and logistical assistance.
The department said the Presidency informed DIRCO on 19 June about Zuma’s planned private visit and requested the necessary protocol arrangements. The High Commission was then notified and provided customary support, including airport protocol, liaison with Indian authorities and travel facilitation.
Zuma was received by Sooklal and a designated mission official on arrival, with similar assistance provided when he departed.
DIRCO also addressed why Sooklal was present at the religious event where Gupta was among the guests.
The department said Sooklal attended in his official capacity as head of mission after receiving a separate invitation from the event organisers.
It said he did not accompany Zuma or Gupta to the event and reported having no direct interaction with Gupta, who was among approximately 1,000 invited guests.
“Information available indicates that the Mission did not arrange, facilitate or participate in any private meetings involving former President Zuma and Mr Gupta,” DIRCO said.
SABC News reported that the department’s consultations found no evidence that the High Commission facilitated a meeting between Zuma and Gupta.
DIRCO stressed that providing routine diplomatic assistance to a former president does not give that former president authority to represent the South African government or advance official government interests.
The department said the government remained committed to the Constitution, the rule of law and accountability.
It also clarified that while Gupta is not currently subject to an extradition request from South Africa, DIRCO continues to assist South African law enforcement agencies in their cooperation with Indian authorities regarding mutual legal assistance requests and other legal processes involving members of the Gupta family.
The department has now recommended a new mechanism to ensure that similar engagements involving former presidents are assessed for possible reputational, political, diplomatic and security risks before they take place.
The latest findings effectively bring DIRCO’s internal review into Sooklal’s role to a close, after his presence alongside Zuma and Gupta in Haridwar raised questions about the boundaries between private travel by former heads of state and official diplomatic support.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
