South Africa’s (SA) Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) says an internal investigation found no evidence that its High Commission in New Delhi facilitated any private engagements between former President Jacob Zuma and businessperson Ajay Gupta during Zuma’s trip to India in late June.
Following consultations with SA’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, DIRCO confirmed that the mission’s involvement was strictly limited to routine administrative, protocol, and logistical assistance standard for former heads of state.
Addressing Sooklal’s presence at a public religious gathering in Haridwar, the department clarified that Sooklal attended in his official capacity under a separate, independent invitation.
DIRCO stated that although Ajay Gupta was among approximately 1 000 attendees at the event, Sooklal did not accompany Zuma or Gupta and had no direct interaction with Gupta.
–ChannelAfrica–
