JOHANNESBURG - International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has recalled South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, after he was seen accompanying former president Jacob Zuma and alleged state capture architect Ajay Gupta during Zuma’s recent visit to India.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Lamola said Sooklal had been recalled for further consultations.
The minister also announced that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had proposed stricter rules governing diplomatic support for former presidents travelling abroad.
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“We have also submitted recommendations to Parliament and the Presidency to consider a new framework for protocol and diplomatic support to former presidents and deputy presidents during international travel,” Lamola said.
Under the proposed framework, the Presidency and DIRCO have established a mandatory disclosure mechanism requiring former presidents and deputy presidents seeking protocol and diplomatic assistance to provide full details of their travel plans.
This includes the purpose of the trip, planned activities, sources of funding, key engagements, and the capacity in which they will be travelling.
Lamola said the measures were aimed at preventing former leaders from creating the impression that they represent South Africa’s foreign policy without a mandate from the sitting head of state.
“This will help us avoid a 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,” Lamola said.