DIRCO Investigation Prof Anil Sooklal Conclusion: High Commissioner Cleared

• DIRCO concluded its investigation into South African High Commissioner to India, Prof Anil Sooklal, regarding former President Jacob Zuma's private visit in late June 2026.
• The investigation found that Prof Sooklal did not arrange, facilitate, or participate in any private meetings involving former President Zuma and Mr. Ajay Gupta.
• Assistance provided at the Mumbai protocol lounge on June 25 was deemed standard diplomatic protocol for former Heads of State.
• Prof Sooklal's attendance at a religious ceremony in Haridwar was based on a separate invitation as Head of Mission, with no reported direct interaction with Zuma or Gupta.
• The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation welcomed the conclusion and reaffirmed its full confidence in Prof Sooklal and the mission's work.

DIRCO has clarified that the High Commissioner in New Delhi did not arrange, facilitate, or participate in any private meetings involving former President Jacob Zuma and Mr. Ajay Gupta during the private visit to India in late June 2026.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has finalized its investigation into the conduct of South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal. This significant development, which saw the `DIRCO investigation Prof Anil Sooklal conclusion`, centered on allegations regarding Professor Sooklal's potential involvement in private meetings between former President Jacob Zuma and Mr. Ajay Gupta during a private visit to India in late June 2026.

Following a thorough review, DIRCO officially clarified that Professor Sooklal, in his capacity as High Commissioner in New Delhi, did not arrange, facilitate, or participate in any private meetings involving the former President and Mr. Gupta. This finding effectively means `Anil Sooklal cleared Jacob Zuma India` of direct involvement in the controversial private engagements. With the investigation concluded, Professor Sooklal has since returned to New Delhi to resume his official duties.

The `DIRCO report Zuma Gupta visit` specifically addressed two key instances of Professor Sooklal's interaction during the former President's visit, both of which were found to be consistent with established diplomatic norms. Firstly, the assistance provided to former President Zuma at the protocol lounge in Mumbai on June 25 was confirmed by DIRCO as standard diplomatic protocol. Such courtesies are routinely afforded to former Heads of State, underscoring the application of `High Commissioner India diplomatic protocol` in this context.

Secondly, Professor Sooklal's attendance at a religious ceremony in Haridwar was also scrutinized. DIRCO clarified that his presence was based on a separate invitation extended to him as Head of Mission by the host organizers. The event was a large gathering, attended by approximately 1,000 guests, and no direct interaction between Professor Sooklal and either former President Zuma or Mr. Gupta was reported. This further illustrates the parameters of `South Africa diplomatic conduct India` when officials attend public events in their representational capacity.

The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has welcomed the conclusion of the DIRCO investigation, signaling its approval of the process and its outcome. The committee's Chairperson, Mr. Supra Mahumapelo, publicly stated his satisfaction that the matter was handled transparently and in accordance with due process, reinforcing the integrity of the investigation.

Mr. Mahumapelo further reaffirmed the committee's full confidence in `Portfolio Committee International Relations Sooklal` and in the vital work undertaken by South Africa's Mission in India. This endorsement highlights the mission's ongoing efforts to advance the nation's interests, strengthen bilateral relations, and foster multilateral cooperation. The committee has indicated that it will still engage with the full report and develop a way forward on the matter, ensuring continued oversight and accountability.

This development clarifies the application of diplomatic protocol for former Heads of State and the conduct expected of South African High Commissioners abroad, which may be relevant for legal professionals advising on international relations, diplomatic law, or official conduct investigations, particularly concerning high-profile political figures.

Source: Original reporting via Parliament of South Africa