PRETORIA - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has cleared South African High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, of his involvement in former president Jacob Zuma’s visit to India.
Sooklal came under scrutiny after photographs emerged showing him alongside Zuma and Ajay Gupta, who has been implicated in allegations of state capture during Zuma’s presidency.
The reported trip, which took place in late June, prompted an investigation by Dirco into the circumstances surrounding Sooklal’s involvement.
In a statement on Wednesday, the department said information provided by the South African High Commission in New Delhi established that it had not arranged, facilitated, or participated in any private meetings involving Zuma and Gupta.
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Dirco said the protocol and logistical assistance provided to Zuma was part of the established support available to former presidents through official channels.
The department also addressed Sooklal’s attendance at a religious event in Haridwar, where Gupta was reportedly among about 1,000 invited guests.
“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,” Dirco said.
“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.”
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