Anil Sooklal cleared of wrongdoing over Zuma’s India visit
DIRCO investigated claims that Sooklal helped arrange a meeting between Zuma and the Gupta brothers in India.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it has found no evidence that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India participated in any private meeting between Jacob Zuma and corruption-accused Ajay Gupta.
Earlier this year, the former president and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader was pictured with Gupta at an ashram in northern India.
Ambassador Anil Sooklal was with them.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) asked International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to explain.
DIRCO says its internal investigation and consultations with High Commissioner Sooklal found no evidence that he arranged a meeting between Zuma and Gupta in Haridwar.
"Regarding the religious event attended in Haridwar, the High Commissioner attended in his capacity as Head of Mission following a separate invitation from host organisers," the department said in a statement.
"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."
DIRCO says the High Commission’s involvement in Zuma’s visit was limited to customary protocol and logistical support provided to former presidents.
"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 to former Heads of State to represent the Government of the Republic or advance official interests."
The department says they continue to facilitate cooperation between South African and Indian authorities on legal processes involving the Gupta family.
It has also recommended a new mechanism to assess the potential reputational, political, diplomatic and security risks of similar engagements involving former presidents.
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