DIRCO has cleared Anil Sooklal, saying its mission did not facilitate any private meetings between Jacob Zuma and Anil Gupta.
Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers
Following IOL's report that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was cleared following Jacob Zuma's controversial visit to India, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has responded.
Following the visit, questions over his presence at an event where controversial businessman Anil Gupta was also pictured began to surface, forcing DIRCO to issue a public statement and seek clarity from Sooklal
A source told IOL that Sooklal had been cleared and resumed his duties in India, but DIRCO remained silent on the issue.
In a statement on Wednesday, DIRCO said it had completed its internal consultations with Sooklal relating to the situation involving former President Jacob Zuma's private visit to India from 25 to 27 June 2026.
DIRCO said they were informed of Zuma's private visit to India on June 19, 2026 and requested assistance with the necessary protocol and logistical arrangements.
"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."
Providing clarity on the religious event attended in Haridwar, DIRCO said Sooklal 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."
The Department's assessment is 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."
The government position remains that routine assistance to former Heads of State does not constitute authorisation for 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. Whilst Mr Gupta is not subject to an extradition request by South Africa, DIRCO 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."
**IOL News **
