Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has condemned South African High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal for appearing alongside former president Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta at an event in India.
Ntshavheni described the appearance at a prayer meeting on 26 June at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar as a disgrace. She said Sooklal and Zuma were showing the middle finger to South Africans.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has ordered an internal report on Sooklal’s presence. Ntshavheni stated at a post-Cabinet press conference on 3 July that necessary steps would be taken.
A source indicated Sooklal was following instructions to extend courtesies to Zuma as a former head of state. The High Commission had cleared the visit with Indian authorities.
Ajay Gupta and his brothers face state capture allegations but there are no active extradition proceedings against them.
