South Africa proposes stricter protocols for former leaders following Jacob Zuma’s controversial India visit

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has submitted formal recommendations to parliament to establish stricter rules and greater transparency regarding foreign travel undertaken by former heads of state.

The legislative push follows intense backlash over a recent visit to India by former President Jacob Zuma, during which the 84-year-old politician was photographed at a temple alongside fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta.

The Gupta family remains central to South Africa’s massive “state capture” corruption scandal, which involved allegations of systemic political influence and state asset siphonage that ultimately contributed to Zuma’s resignation in 2018.

The incident sparked severe political friction, leading South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, to be recalled after he was also pictured alongside Zuma and Gupta. Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that the proposed protocols would require former presidents to disclose complete details regarding international itineraries prior to departure.

The advance documentation would allow government agencies to evaluate security requirements alongside potential diplomatic, political, and reputational risks to the nation.

The controversy marks the latest diplomatic dispute involving the former president, who now leads the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party following his expulsion from the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Last year, the South African government issued a formal diplomatic protest to Morocco after Zuma engaged in talks supporting Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, directly contradicting official South African foreign policy.