{
  "id": 5059247,
  "title": "SA High Commission not involved in Zuma, Gupta meeting: DIRCO",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/sa-high-commission-not-involved-in-zuma-gupta-meeting-dirco",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T09:37:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/sa-high-commission-not-involved-in-zuma-gupta-meeting-dirco/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has concluded its investigations into former President Jacob Zuma's private visit to India in June and found no evidence of involvement by South Africa's High Commission in meetings between Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta. According to DIRCO, the High Commission provided Zuma with regular protocol and logistical support as is customary for former presidents. High Commissioner Anil Sooklal attended a religious event in Haridwar after receiving an invitation, and did not accompany Zuma or Gupta during their visit. The High Commissioner also stated that he had no direct interaction with Gupta. DIRCO has recommended a mechanism to help the state evaluate potential reputational, political, diplomatic, or security risks associated with engagements of this nature.",
  "summary": "Jacob Zuma was seen photographed with Ajay Gupta at an Indian temple.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "DIRCO clears High Commissioner Sooklal over Zuma’s India visit, says no Gupta meeting was facilitated",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/dirco-clears-high-commissioner-sooklal-over-zumas-india-visit-says-no",
        "published": "2026-09-02T08:56:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}