Former President Jacob Zuma’s June 2026 meeting with Ajay Gupta in Haridwar, India, has drawn sharp condemnation from the South African government, with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni labelling it “very disturbing” and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) launching an official inquiry into the circumstances and implications of the visit.

DIRCO Inquiry And Official Criticism

DIRCO on 3 July 2026 confirmed it had begun investigating the visit to establish whether its facilitation or any official resources violated the Foreign Service Act. Particular scrutiny has fallen on South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, after allegations he participated in the meeting. Ntshavheni, speaking in Pretoria, condemned both Zuma’s engagement and Sooklal’s involvement, stating, “It is very disturbing that a former state president openly and unapologetically shows the middle finger to South Africans who have lost a lot of money through the Gupta brothers’ shenanigans.”

She further criticised Sooklal’s conduct, saying, “It’s a level of disgrace that our own employee, hobnobs with the criminals instead of doing his work to ensure that the fugitives are brought back into South Africa so that they can face their criminal act.” The Democratic Alliance has also called for an urgent departmental inquiry into whether Sooklal was following official instruction during the meeting.

Political Significance And Historical Context

The meeting comes at a sensitive moment for South African politics, given Zuma’s announcement in a post-meeting video that he is “contesting” to “retake the country forward,” re-igniting debate about the legacy of state capture. The Gupta family, implicated in widespread corruption during Zuma’s administration, left South Africa as criminal investigations increased, and their continued influence remains a symbol of systemic challenges in holding individuals accountable for state looting.

This renewed association between Zuma and Ajay Gupta has raised concerns within government and opposition parties about the message it sends on corruption, accountability, and foreign policy integrity. The DIRCO inquiry’s findings are expected to shape the diplomatic and political response in the coming weeks.

Further official statements and potential parliamentary oversight are anticipated as DIRCO’s investigation into the meeting and the High Commissioner’s role proceeds.