South Africa plans new rules on ex-leaders’ foreign trips after Zuma’s visit to India

South Africa's foreign minister is pushing for new rules and increased transparency for former heads of state engaging in foreign trips, following a controversial visit by ex-President Jacob Zuma to India. The recommendation to parliament stems from Zuma's meeting with Ajay Gupta, a businessman linked to a major corruption scandal that contributed to Zuma's downfall.

Zuma's actions have been met with outrage, with one minister comparing him to showing a "middle finger" to South Africa. The Gupta brothers, who were accused of profiting from their ties with Zuma in the past, left the country in 2018 amid a judicial commission investigating allegations of "state capture". In 2022, this commission found that Zuma had hired and fired ministers at the behest of the Gupta family, leading to Ajay Gupta's arrest warrant being canceled.

The two younger Gupta brothers, Atul and Rajesh, went to the UAE, where a court dismissed a South African extradition request. Zuma has since been removed from the ANC and now leads the opposition party, uMkhonto we Sizwe. During his India visit, Zuma was photographed with Gupta at an Indian temple and South African diplomat Anil Sooklal, who was also with them, has been recalled.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola has submitted a recommendation to parliament and the president's office for new protocols for former heads of state, requiring them to disclose full details of their upcoming trips to assess risks. This isn't the first time Zuma's foreign visits have sparked controversy; he recently visited Morocco in support of its claim over Western Sahara, a territory South Africa opposes, leading to a formal diplomatic protest.