South Africa is planning to introduce new protocols governing foreign trips by former heads of state following a recent visit by former President Jacob Zuma to India.

During Zuma's visit, a photograph surfaced showing the 84-year-old politician alongside businessman Ajay Gupta at an Indian temple. Ajay Gupta is linked to a high-profile controversy in South Africa involving the Gupta family, who were found by a 2022 commission to have influenced Zuma to hire and fire key ministers controlling the country's economy. Zuma has since been expelled from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and now leads the opposition group uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).

South Africa's high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was also pictured with Zuma and Gupta during the visit and has subsequently been recalled.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola stated that his department has submitted recommendations to parliament and the president's office to establish new protocols for former heads of state when undertaking foreign trips. These protocols would require former leaders to "provide full details" of their upcoming trips to allow for "an informed assessment of the appropriate level of support required and any associated reputational, political, diplomatic or security risks."

The move follows previous incidents, including Zuma's 2025 visit to Morocco, where he spoke in support of Morocco's claim over the disputed territory of Western Sahara—a position opposed by South Africa. During that trip, Zuma was pictured in front of the South African flag when meeting Morocco's foreign minister.

Additionally, the Gupta family's legal troubles continue, with South African authorities cancelling an arrest warrant for Ajay Gupta. The two younger Gupta brothers, Atul and Rajesh, relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where a court in 2023 denied South Africa's extradition request.

Sources