DIPLOMATIC BUNGLE: New protocol for former presidents: Dirco aims to avoid Zuma-Gupta repeat

South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has introduced a new protocol aimed at preventing future diplomatic missteps involving former heads of state. The move comes after a widely publicised incident in early July 2026, when the country’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was photographed alongside former President Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta at a religious gathering in India. The image sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, prompting an internal investigation and calls for stricter oversight. The photograph, shared on social media and picked up by Indian and South African news outlets, showed Zuma, Gupta, and Sooklal standing side-by-side at a prayer meeting held at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar on 26 June 2026. Zuma, who served as president from 2009 to 2018, is known for his association with the state capture scandal, while Gupta, a close ally of Zuma, has faced legal scrutiny over alleged corruption. Sooklal, who represents South Africa abroad, was reportedly unaware of Zuma’s attendance until shortly before the event. According to officials, he had received an invitation to the meeting through the temple’s spiritual leader, Swami Kailashanand Giri, and only learned of Zuma’s presence hours before the ceremony. In response to the incident, Minister Ronald Lamola convened a press conference in Pretoria on 5 August 2026, announcing that Sooklal had been recalled to the ministry’s headquarters for further discussion. Lamola stated that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) had already initiated a review of how former leaders are supported during their travels. He added that a new framework would be proposed to ensure greater transparency and clarity regarding the nature of such visits. The proposed protocol includes a mandatory disclosure process, requiring former presidents and deputy presidents to provide detailed information about their intended activities abroad. This would cover the purpose of the trip, the planned itinerary, the financial backers, the main contacts, and the role each individual is expected to play. The aim is to prevent situations where former leaders appear to represent the nation’s foreign policy without proper authorisation. Dirco director-general Zane Dangor explained that while the department had been aware of Zuma’s intention to travel, it had not received specific details about the event itself. Dangor noted that Sooklal had been instructed to offer the standard level of diplomatic support to a former head of state, but the lack of comprehensive information led to the unintended exposure. “We always receive a letter indicating that we must provide protocol to any visiting president,” Dangor said. “But what we need now is more guidance and transparency.” According to insiders, Sooklal revealed that he had accepted the invitation to the prayer meeting independently and only became aware of Zuma’s participation the day before the event. This suggests that the involvement of Zuma and Gupta was not formally coordinated with Dirco, raising questions about the extent of oversight for former leaders’ international engagements. As the ministry finalises the new guidelines, officials are expected to address whether disciplinary action will be taken against Sooklal. While no formal decision has yet been announced, the incident has underscored the need for clearer rules governing the diplomatic representation of former leaders. The new protocol is set to be presented to Parliament and the Presidency for approval, marking a significant step towards reinforcing accountability in South Africa’s foreign affairs.