High commissioner recalled over protocol breach probe has triggered a review of how South Africa provides diplomatic and protocol support to former presidents travelling abroad. The move follows former president Jacob Zuma’s controversial visit to India, which has prompted government scrutiny, the recall of High Commissioner Anil Sooklal for consultations, and an internal investigation into whether diplomatic protocols were properly followed.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has also proposed introducing stricter rules governing official assistance provided to former presidents and deputy presidents when they undertake international travel.

The latest developments come after Zuma’s India visit attracted widespread attention because he met political and business leaders and was photographed alongside Ajay Gupta, a member of the Gupta family linked to allegations of state capture during Zuma’s presidency.

Jacob Zuma India trip sparks government review

The Jacob Zuma India trip has become the catalyst for a broader review of South Africa’s diplomatic support framework for former heads of state.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed during a media briefing that government was reviewing existing protocols and had recommended significant reforms.

Although Lamola stopped short of directly blaming Zuma’s visit for the policy changes, he confirmed that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, had been recalled to Pretoria for consultations.

The recall forms part of an inquiry examining whether diplomatic support provided during Zuma’s visit complied with the country’s Foreign Service Act and internal protocols.

Government officials have emphasised that the investigation seeks to establish facts surrounding the provision of protocol assistance rather than prejudging any individual’s conduct.

Ronald Lamola proposes tighter oversight

New framework for diplomatic protocol for former presidents

Ronald Lamola announced that his department has submitted recommendations to Parliament and the Presidency to overhaul the current framework governing protocol support for former presidents and deputy presidents.

The proposed system would require former heads of state requesting diplomatic assistance abroad to disclose:

• The purpose of their trip.
• Their full travel programme.
• Sources of funding.
• Principal hosts.
• Planned meetings and engagements.
• The capacity in which they will travel.

According to Lamola, these disclosures would allow government to properly assess:

• Diplomatic implications.
• Political sensitivities.
• Security risks.
• Reputational concerns.
• Appropriate levels of protocol assistance.

The proposal aims to improve transparency while protecting South Africa’s foreign policy interests.

Anil Sooklal recalled for consultations

Anil Sooklal recalled as investigation begins

One of the most significant outcomes of the controversy is that Anil Sooklal recalled to South Africa for consultations while the department conducts its internal review.

Lamola confirmed:

“We confirm that High Commissioner Anil Sooklal has been recalled to headquarters for consultations.”

Government has not suggested wrongdoing by Sooklal but wants to establish whether all diplomatic procedures were correctly followed before and during Zuma’s visit.

The inquiry is expected to examine communications between the Presidency, DIRCO and South Africa’s diplomatic mission in India.

Diplomatic protocol for former presidents under review

Mandatory disclosure mechanism proposed

The proposed reforms introduce a mandatory disclosure mechanism for former presidents and deputy presidents requesting diplomatic support overseas.

Government believes greater transparency is needed whenever former national leaders undertake international visits that could affect South Africa’s international standing.

Under the proposal, officials would evaluate each trip before deciding the level of diplomatic support that should be provided.

The review follows growing concerns that former heads of state could unintentionally create confusion about South Africa’s official foreign policy positions while conducting private engagements overseas.

South Africa foreign policy concerns

Parallel diplomacy raises questions

Lamola has previously warned that former presidents cannot pursue what he described as a “parallel foreign policy.”

His comments followed concerns that unofficial engagements by former heads of state could be interpreted internationally as representing the South African government.

The minister stressed that official foreign policy remains the responsibility of the elected government.

Government officials believe the proposed framework would reduce ambiguity by ensuring officials understand the exact nature and purpose of visits before diplomatic resources are allocated.

DIRCO explains current protocol process

Director-General Zane Dangor explained that South Africa’s diplomatic missions routinely receive notification whenever former presidents travel abroad.

According to Dangor, embassies typically receive communication from the Presidency requesting protocol assistance.

He noted that while these requests have historically followed standard procedures, the department now seeks greater transparency.

“We always get a letter,” Dangor explained.

“But what we do ask for now is increased guidance and transparency about what these visits would be to safeguard not only the department but also the country’s national interests and reputation.”

He added that South Africa’s High Commissioner in India would have been informed through the normal communication process before Zuma’s arrival.

Why Zuma’s India visit attracted attention

The Jacob Zuma India trip generated public debate after photographs emerged showing the former president with Ajay Gupta.

The Gupta family has remained closely associated with allegations of state capture, a period during which state institutions were allegedly influenced for private benefit.

Although Zuma has consistently denied wrongdoing related to state capture allegations, his appearance with Ajay Gupta renewed political scrutiny.

Government insists its current review focuses primarily on diplomatic protocol rather than the content of Zuma’s meetings.

Balancing protocol and accountability

Government seeks clearer diplomatic rules

The proposed reforms are intended to clarify expectations for both former leaders and government officials responsible for providing diplomatic assistance.

Officials argue that South Africa must balance respect for former presidents with the need to safeguard national interests and maintain a consistent foreign policy.

By introducing mandatory disclosure requirements, government believes future visits can be assessed more effectively while avoiding reputational or diplomatic risks.

Possible implications for future travel

If adopted by Parliament and the Presidency, the proposed framework would significantly change how former presidents receive diplomatic support during international travel.

Future requests may involve more detailed assessments before embassies provide protocol services, security coordination or official assistance.

The measures could also improve accountability by ensuring government has complete information about overseas engagements involving former national leaders.

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Conclusion

The decision surrounding the High commissioner recalled over protocol breach probe marks a significant development in South Africa’s diplomatic governance. The recall of Anil Sooklal, the review of the Jacob Zuma India trip, and the proposed overhaul of diplomatic protocol for former presidents reflect government’s determination to strengthen oversight while protecting South Africa foreign policy interests.

As the internal inquiry continues, Parliament and the Presidency will consider whether the proposed reforms should become permanent policy. The outcome could reshape how former presidents engage internationally while ensuring diplomatic support aligns with national interests and official government policy.