South Africa Denies Recalling Envoy Sooklal Over Zuma-Gupta Meeting

The confusion stems from comments made by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, who had publicly announced Sooklal’s recall for consultations. Sources now specify that Sooklal is required to meet with Director-General Zane Dangor to address his presence at a June event in Haridwar. At that gathering, the High Commissioner was seen alongside former President Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta, a figure deeply entangled in South Africa’s "state capture" corruption investigations.

Following the incident, the South African government is moving to overhaul its diplomatic protocols. Minister Lamola confirmed that new recommendations have been submitted to Parliament to establish a mandatory disclosure mechanism for former leaders. Under this proposed framework, former presidents and deputies would be required to declare travel programs, funding sources, and principal hosts to mitigate reputational and security risks. The government seeks to ensure that former officials do not inadvertently project themselves as representatives of current foreign policy without a formal mandate from the sitting head of state. Sooklal, a veteran diplomat who previously served as South Africa’s G20 and BRICS sherpa, found himself at the center of this scrutiny after accompanying Zuma to the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir, where the former president met with the controversial businessman.