“South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has been cleared of misconduct after attending a religious event in Haridwar, India, where Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta were present. DIRCO emphasized that Sooklal’s involvement was limited to ceremonial duties and protocol support for Zuma’s private visit.”
In late June 2026, images circulated in Indian media showing former South African President Jacob Zuma, State Capture suspect Ajay Gupta, and South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, attending a religious ceremony at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar. The optics of Zuma and Gupta appearing together with a senior diplomat raised immediate concerns about South Africa’s international reputation and the integrity of its diplomatic corps.
DIRCO quickly recalled Sooklal to Pretoria for consultations, sparking speculation about whether the diplomat had facilitated or endorsed interactions between Zuma and Gupta. The incident was particularly sensitive given Zuma’s ongoing legal battles and Gupta’s association with corruption scandals that rocked South Africa during Zuma’s presidency.
DIRCO’s Findings
On September 2, 2026, DIRCO announced that its investigation had concluded. The department clarified that:
- Sooklal’s attendance was ceremonial, based on an independent invitation from event organizers.
- No private meetings were arranged or facilitated between Zuma and Gupta by the South African mission.
- Protocol support for Zuma was standard practice afforded to all former heads of state, including airport courtesies and liaison with host authorities.
DIRCO emphasized that providing logistical support to former presidents does not equate to authorizing them to represent South Africa’s government abroad.
Political Fallout
The Democratic Alliance (DA) criticized the incident, highlighting a communications divide between DIRCO and the Presidency. Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni had publicly condemned Sooklal for “hobnobbing” with Zuma and Gupta, despite the Presidency itself having requested protocol support for Zuma’s visit. This contradiction exposed weaknesses in interministerial coordination and raised questions about accountability in South Africa’s diplomatic service.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on International Relations welcomed DIRCO’s findings, reaffirming confidence in Sooklal and stressing the importance of transparency. Committee Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo stated that the matter had been handled appropriately and that Sooklal would resume his duties in New Delhi.
Broader Implications for International Relations
This episode underscores several challenges for South Africa’s international relations:
- Diplomatic Integrity: The presence of Zuma and Gupta at the same event as a serving diplomat risked undermining South Africa’s credibility abroad.
- Protocol vs. Politics: While protocol support for former presidents is routine, the political baggage of Zuma complicates such arrangements.
- Public Confidence: Contradictory statements from ministers erode trust in government institutions and raise doubts about South Africa’s ability to manage sensitive diplomatic matters.
Zuma’s Role and Public Debate
Zuma’s entitlement to diplomatic privileges remains contentious. Critics argue that taxpayers should not fund protocol support for a former president convicted of contempt of court and facing unresolved corruption charges. Supporters, however, maintain that protocol courtesies are standard practice and should not be denied based on political controversies.
The incident reignited debate about whether South Africa should reform its policies regarding former heads of state, particularly those with unresolved legal issues.
Conclusion
The clearance of Anil Sooklal by DIRCO closes one chapter of this diplomatic controversy but leaves broader questions unanswered. How should South Africa balance respect for former leaders with accountability for past misconduct? How can DIRCO and the Presidency improve communication to avoid public contradictions?
For now, Sooklal resumes his duties in India, but the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate intersection between protocol, politics, and international relations in South Africa’s diplomacy.
