Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says former president Jacob Zuma has repeatedly acted in ways that undermine South Africa’s foreign policy. Her remarks follow Zuma’s recent visit to the Gupta brothers in India, despite the pair remaining fugitives from South African justice. Ntshavheni also warned that his conduct could have consequences for the benefits he receives as a former head of state.
Jacob Zuma’s India Visit Sparks Foreign Policy Concerns
Jacob Zuma’s trip to India has drawn criticism from the government after he met with the Gupta brothers last month.
The visit was not sanctioned by the state and has reignited concerns over the former president’s engagements abroad. According to Ntshavheni, the latest trip reflects a pattern of conduct that conflicts with South Africa’s foreign policy.
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The minister said Zuma’s actions were not an isolated incident. She pointed to previous occasions where his international engagements had placed him at odds with the country’s official diplomatic positions.
Jacob Zuma’s Morocco Trip Also Contradicted South Africa’s Position
The Jacob Zuma controversy over foreign policy also follows a visit to Morocco last year alongside members of the MK Party. During that trip, the party backed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, describing it as a “realistic alternative”.
The position differed from that of both South Africa and the African Union, which support full independence for Western Sahara, widely regarded as Africa’s last colony.
Ntshavheni said the India visit was another example of Zuma acting in a manner that undermines the country’s foreign policy. She said his conduct continues to create tensions between his actions and the government’s official diplomatic stance.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni Warns Zuma Could Lose Former President Benefits
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Ntshavheni said Zuma’s conduct could place the privileges granted to former presidents under scrutiny. She said government support for former heads of state relates to the costs associated with official travel and does not extend to approving or managing their itineraries. According to the minister, the government is not informed about Zuma’s travel plans before he leaves the country.
“This is not the first instance in relation to this particular State president that he undermines not only the foreign policy of the country, but also the laws of the country.”
