Background
Former South African President Jacob Zuma made headlines after being photographed at a Hindu temple in Haridwar, India. He was seen alongside Ajay Gupta, one of the Gupta brothers implicated in the state‑capture scandal, and South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal. The image sparked renewed debate about Zuma’s ties to the controversial family.
The Temple Visit
- When and where: Late June, Zuma traveled to Uttarakhand and visited the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir in Haridwar.
- Who was there: Ajay Gupta, described by Indian media as a student of the ashram, and High Commissioner Sooklal accompanied him.
- Spiritual host: Swami Kailashanand Giri of Niranjani Akhara said it was Zuma’s first visit to Haridwar, noting he arrived from Delhi via Saharanpur to receive blessings.
Zuma’s Comments
During the visit Zuma spoke to reporters:
- He expressed confidence in returning to power, saying “the people of God” have stood by him.
- He reflected on his impeachment, stating he was happy to be in India “at the right time” and recalled leading South Africa before his ousting.
MK Party’s Response
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, through spokesman Sifiso Mahlangu, addressed the controversy:
- Zuma is a private citizen free to travel wherever he wishes; the trip is not unprecedented and he has attended similar events since around 2012.
- Mahlangu dismissed claims that the meeting harms South Africa’s efforts to hold the Guptas accountable, arguing a double standard exists when other leaders meet individuals under investigation.
- He criticized the Zondo Commission, saying it cost billions without convictions, and reiterated that Zuma’s 15‑month prison sentence was for contempt of court, not for attending the religious gathering.
The Gupta Brothers’ Situation
- Atul and Rajesh Gupta: Arrested in the UAE in 2022; South Africa’s extradition attempts faced setbacks, including a 2023 Dubai Court of Appeal dismissal and another failure at the end of 2024 due to jurisdictional issues. The IDAC is preparing a new application.
- Ajay Gupta: Unlike his brothers, he has largely disappeared from public view. Reports repeatedly list his whereabouts as unknown while legal actions against his siblings continue.
Implications of the High Commissioner’s Presence
The public appearance of South Africa’s High Commissioner alongside Ajay Gupta raises questions:
- Were South African officials aware of Ajay’s location?
- Could this knowledge affect future extradition or diplomatic efforts concerning the Gupta family?
Conclusion
Zuma’s temple visit, highlighted by his interaction with a fugitive Gupta brother, has reignited scrutiny over his relationships and the broader state‑capture narrative. While the MK Party frames the trip as a private religious act, the involvement of a senior diplomat and the ambiguous status of Ajay Gupta keep the issue in the spotlight, prompting ongoing questions about accountability, diplomatic protocols, and the pursuit of justice in South Africa.
