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. The decision was announced during a media briefing on Wednesday.
Lamola said Sooklal had been instructed to return to South Africa for further consultations. The move comes amid concerns over the diplomatic support provided during the former president’s overseas trip.
The minister also revealed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has proposed new rules governing protocol and diplomatic assistance for former presidents and deputy presidents travelling abroad.
Ronald Lamola Confirms Recall Of Anil Sooklal
Ronald Lamola said the recall of Anil Sooklal forms part of ongoing consultations following the High Commissioner’s involvement during Jacob Zuma’s visit to India.
The announcement follows public attention over Sooklal’s appearance alongside Zuma and Ajay Gupta during the trip. Lamola did not provide further details on the consultations but confirmed that the High Commissioner had been recalled.
DIRCO Proposes New Rules For Former Presidents’ Overseas Travel
Ronald Lamola said DIRCO has submitted recommendations to Parliament and the Presidency to establish a new framework regulating diplomatic and protocol support for former presidents and deputy presidents travelling internationally.
“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.
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Under the proposed framework, former presidents and deputy presidents seeking diplomatic assistance would be required to disclose the purpose of their travel, planned activities, funding sources, key engagements and the capacity in which they will be travelling.
Ronald Lamola Says Measures Will Protect South Africa’s Foreign Policy
Lamola said the proposed disclosure requirements are intended to prevent former leaders from creating the impression that they are acting on behalf of South Africa’s government without official authorisation.
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“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.
The proposed framework is now before Parliament and the Presidency for consideration as government reviews how diplomatic support is provided to former national leaders travelling abroad.
