Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has called for an investigation into the involvement of South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, following former president Jacob Zuma's recent meeting with fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta.
The investigation comes after photographs emerged showing Zuma, Sooklal and Gupta together at a temple in Haridwar, India.
Ajay Gupta and his brothers are wanted by South African authorities in connection with allegations of state capture during Zuma's presidency.
Speaking on the matter, Lamola expressed concern about the implications of a former head of state, who remains actively involved in politics, engaging in activities that could be perceived as parallel to South Africa's official foreign policy.
"It was a bit easier in the past when former presidents were no longer actively involved in politics. But it's clear now that former President Zuma is active in politics. What does this mean for our foreign policy? His party has a different perspective, so his privileges are not only about diplomatic facilitation but also have domestic implications," Lamola said.
The Minister said an investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the High Commissioner's involvement in Zuma's visit.
The development follows calls by the Democratic Alliance (DA) for greater accountability over the incident.
DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith said the party has submitted parliamentary questions to Lamola seeking clarity on Sooklal's role in facilitating the visit.
Smith also called on the minister to explain what action, if any, would be taken against the High Commissioner.
"The DA calls on Minister Lamola to inform the Republic what consequences High Commissioner Sooklal will face for this act, which undermines the government of South Africa," Smith said.
He further questioned why South African diplomatic representatives were allegedly facilitating engagements involving Zuma and Ajay Gupta.
"Minister Lamola must explain to the Republic why South African ambassadors are facilitating foreign meetings with Zuma and the Guptas, who are responsible for the demise of our country," Smith added.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not yet announced the timeline for the investigation or whether any disciplinary action will be taken pending its outcome.