By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has been recalled from India by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) regarding his involvement in former South African President Jacob Zuma’s meeting with fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta. 

Lamola made this announcement at a press briefing that he conducted in Pretoria on Wednesday and emphasised that this matter will be taken seriously to the highest degree. “We confirm that High Commissioner Anil Sooklal has been recalled to headquarters for further consultation” said Lamola. 

Photographs had emerged showing Zuma, Gupta and Sooklal together at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali temple in Haridwar during a visit Zuma had embarked on to India. Ajay and Rajesh Gupta remain fugitives from the South African justice system as the brothers face charges regarding state capture allegations which dates back all the way to Zuma’s tenure as president. 

Lamola had ordered an investigation into Sooklal’s conduct and had requested from him a detailed account of the details of the meeting in India. Lamola also confirmed that the government had submitted recommendations to Parliament as well as the Presidency regarding a new framework which will uphold protocols and diplomatic support for former presidents and deputy presidents who travel abroad. 

Under the new framework, former presidents and deputy presidents are required to disclose details of the purpose behind their travelling, including planned activities, sources of funding and key engagements.

 “This will help us avoid the 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,” said Lamola.