South Africa is planning to implement new rules governing foreign trips undertaken by its former heads of state. The move comes after recent international visits by former President Jacob Zuma drew controversy and prompted diplomatic scrutiny.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola announced that his department has recommended new protocols to parliament and the president's office. Under these proposed rules, former leaders will be required to "provide full details" about upcoming foreign trips. This information will allow for "an informed assessment of the appropriate level of support required and any associated reputational, political, diplomatic or security risks."
The need for clearer guidelines has become apparent following Zuma's recent travels. In one instance, the 84-year-old former president, who now heads the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, was photographed with Ajay Gupta during a visit to India. The Gupta family has been implicated in a corruption scandal in South Africa, with a commission in 2022 concluding that Zuma had made decisions regarding ministerial appointments at their behest.
During Zuma's trip to India, South Africa's high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was also photographed with Zuma and Gupta. Sooklal has since been recalled and has denied any wrongdoing.
This is not the first time Zuma's foreign visits have caused diplomatic friction. Last year, he visited Morocco and expressed support for the North African nation's claim over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a position that contrasts with South Africa's official stance. Despite undertaking that trip as MK leader, Zuma was pictured in front of the South African flag during a meeting with Morocco's foreign minister, where the Western Sahara issue was discussed. South Africa formally condemned that visit and lodged a diplomatic protest with Morocco.
Zuma was expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), the party he once led, and has since become a prominent figure in the opposition MK party. The South African authorities had previously sought the extradition of Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh Gupta. While arrest warrants were ultimately canceled for Ajay Gupta, Atul and Rajesh Gupta are reportedly in the United Arab Emirates, where a court denied a South African extradition request in 2023.