South Africa’s foreign minister wants stricter rules to bring more transparency to former heads of state undertaking foreign trips.
After ex‑President Jacob Zuma visited India, he met businessman Ajay Gupta, the alleged driving force behind the corruption scandal that toppled Zuma’s government. The meeting sparked outrage, with one minister quipping that Zuma was showing the “middle finger” to South Africa.
In a decade‑old controversy, the Gupta brothers had been accused of profiting from close ties to Zuma and influencing national policy; the Jacob Zuma‑appointed Ministry of Finance dismissed any wrongdoing.
In 2022, an independent commission concluded that Zuma had hired and dismissed ministers at the behest of the Gupta family. He was expelled from the ANC and now heads the opposition MK. During his India trip, a photograph captured Zuma and Ajay Gupta beside an Indian temple; South Africa’s high commissioner to India was also photographed there but was later recalled.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola said his department had submitted a recommendation to parliament and the president’s office for new protocols. Former leaders would have to “provide full details” on upcoming trips to allow an informed risk assessment – covering diplomatic, reputational, political and security considerations.
This is not Zuma’s first controversial overseas visit. Last year he travelled to Morocco to support the country’s claim over Western Sahara, even though South Africa opposes the stance. The visit prompted formal diplomatic protest from South Africa.
For more information, visit BBCAfrica.com. The article was reported by Khanyisile Ngcobo in Johannesburg, published 3 hours ago.
