South African officials expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding former President Jacob Zuma’s recent meeting in India with one of the Gupta brothers. The Gupta family faces long-standing accusations of embezzling substantial state funds.
Zuma, who left office in 2018 amid extensive corruption scandals, appeared in a video circulating online where he hinted at intentions to seek re-election. Cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned the former president’s actions, characterizing them as a blatant disregard for citizens affected by the widespread corruption associated with the Gupta family.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the government has initiated a formal inquiry into the trip, criticizing Zuma for seemingly conducting a separate foreign policy. The investigation centers on the Gupta brothers, who allegedly orchestrated a system of state capture during Zuma’s tenure before fleeing the country in 2018. Although authorities dropped charges against Ajay Gupta in 2019, his brothers, Atul and Rajesh, remain subjects of failed extradition efforts from the United Arab Emirates.
Reports indicate that South African High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was present during the meeting at a Haridwar temple, a detail Minister Ntshavheni labeled disgraceful. Currently leading the Umkhonto we Sizwe party, the 84-year-old former leader is positioning himself for future political activity, while the nation prepares for upcoming local government elections and the 2029 presidential cycle.
