Zuma’s Gupta Trip to India

Statement by Ryan Smith MP – DA Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation:

This morning’s press conference led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, was supposed to allay the public’s concerns surrounding the South African High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal’s hosting of former President Jacob Zuma who recently visited India to see state capture-accused Ajay Gupta.

Unfortunately, Minister Lamola left South Africa with more questions than answers.

Parliament’s portfolio committee on DIRCO was previously informed that High Commissioner Sooklal received instructions from the Department to receive Jacob Zuma in India.

Yesterday, media reports stated that High Commissioner Sooklal would not be sanctioned as he was not aware of Jacob Zuma’s visit or programme in India, including a visit to a Hindu temple.

However, today, Minister Lamola confirmed that High Commissioner Sooklal has been ‘recalled to headquarters for consultations’.

The question still begs: between High Commissioner Sooklal and DIRCO, who is lying to the people of South Africa?

The announcement of the introduction of new protocols to regulate and manage visits by former heads of state is a move in the right direction, but it still does not provide any clarity to the public as to how South Africa’s diplomatic corps is seemingly serving Jacob Zuma’s longstanding relationship with the Guptas.

To date, the DA has not received responses to any of our parliamentary questions submitted to Minister Lamola which sought to determine the following:

1. Whether DIRCO did indeed issue instructions to High Commissioner Sooklal to receive Jacob Zuma in India;
2. Whether the Minister and/or Department were aware of this travel;
3. What sanction, if any, High Commissioner Sooklal will face for violating diplomatic protocol.

At the moment, Minister Lamola has only muddied the waters in this matter.

South Africans are no closer to understanding what happened, who is responsible, and what action will be taken while Jacob Zuma clinks glasses with the Guptas who have yet to face consequences for a raft of corruption allegations outlined in the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

As a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA will not tolerate any attempt by DIRCO to sweep this matter under the rug.

If DIRCO is complicit in Jacob Zuma’s flagrant and insulting international travel with the Guptas, there must be harsh consequences for those enabling it.