Pretoria – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has cleared Ambassador Anil Sooklal of any wrongdoing regarding former president Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to India.
Zuma’s visit to India sparked outrage after he was photographed at a temple in Haridwar alongside controversial businessman Ajay Gupta, whose brothers are wanted in South Africa.
Gupta brothers Atul and Rajesh are wanted in South Africa for charges of fraud and money laundering related to state capture.
The photograph of Zuma and Ajay Gupta went viral on social media, reigniting state capture controversies and drawing criticism of South Africa’s ambassador to India, Sooklal.
DIRCO launched a probe into the matter.
Today, Wednesday, 2 September 2026, DIRCO announced that it has completed its internal consultations with South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Sooklal, relating to the situation involving Zuma’s private visit to India from 25 to 27 June 2026.
The department’s assessment was that the Mission’s role was confined to ceremonial reception and departure arrangements, as well as attendance at a public religious event for which the High Commissioner had been independently invited in his official capacity.
“The 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
“The government position remains that routine assistance to former Heads of State does not constitute authorisation to former Heads of State to represent the Government of the Republic or advance official interests.
“Government remains firmly committed to the Constitution, the rule of law and accountability.”
While Mr. Gupta was not subject to an extradition request by South Africa, DIRCO said it continues to facilitate cooperation between South African law enforcement authorities and the Indian authorities in respect of mutual legal assistance requests and other ongoing legal processes involving members of the Gupta family.
DIRCO has recommended a mechanism that will enable the State to ensure that engagements of this nature are assessed for potential reputational, political, diplomatic or security risks.
Outlining the details around the visit that caused the furore, DIRCO said: “On 19 June 2026, the Presidency informed DIRCO of the forthcoming private visit by former President Jacob Zuma to the Republic of India and requested assistance with the necessary protocol and logistical arrangements,” DIRCO said.
“In accordance with the established practice applicable to all former Presidents, DIRCO subsequently notified the South African High Commission in New Delhi and requested that the customary protocol support be provided.
“Information provided by the South African High Commission in New Delhi indicates that the Mission did not facilitate any substantive engagement between former President Jacob Zuma and Mr Ajay Gupta during the visit.”
DIRCO said the assistance rendered formed part of the established protocol, administrative and logistical support ordinarily extended to former Presidents through official channels, including ceremonial lounge arrangements, airport courtesies, liaison with host government authorities, and related travel facilitation.
“Upon arrival, the former President was received by the South African High Commissioner and a designated Mission official in accordance with established protocol, with similar assistance provided upon departure,” DIRCO stated.
“Regarding the religious event attended in Haridwar, the High Commissioner attended in his capacity as Head of Mission following a separate invitation from host organizers.
“He did not accompany former President Zuma or Mr Gupta, and although Mr Gupta was present among approximately 1 000 invited guests, the High Commissioner reported no direct interaction with him.”
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