Sooklal breaks silence after DIRCO clears him over Zuma-Gupta controversy
South Africa’s High Commissioner to India says criticism over a photograph with Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta was unfair, and warns that the controversy damaged relations between South Africa and India.
South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, has finally spoken out about a photograph that sparked controversy and demands for an investigation. The image, taken two months ago, shows Sooklal with former president Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta at a temple in India. Gupta was linked to the state capture scandal.
DIRCO, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that it had concluded its internal review of Sooklal's role in the Zuma's private visit to India in June. According to DIRCO, the visit did not involve any substantive interaction between Zuma and Gupta. Sooklal, who attended the religious event in Haridwar in his official capacity, did not interact with Gupta either.
In the aftermath, Sooklal faced a harsh public backlash, with many within South Africa's government and political circles condemning him. He emphasized the unfairness of the situation, as he had served South Africa for 32 years without any wrongdoing. Sooklal also highlighted the need for a mechanism to hold organisations accountable for their actions, as certain individuals and entities should not be immune from scrutiny.
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