The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is moving to limit former president Jacob Zuma’s foreign travel.
The move comes after the former president undertook a series of international trips, with the government particularly concerned about his visits to Morocco and, later, India. While in the North African state, Zuma displayed the national flag and endorsed Morocco’s continued occupation of Western Sahara, contradicting the positions of both the South African government and the ANC, the liberation movement he led for decades and which later propelled him to become head of state.
Zuma, who remained active in politics after his removal as president of the country in 2017, technically cannot be held accountable by the government for his foreign visits, even if the government is concerned that his actions and statements misrepresent the country.
Zuma, who now leads his own uMkhonto weSizwe Party, the official opposition (since the second-largest political party in Parliament is part of the so-called Government of National Unity), is entitled to support when he travels and could only lose his presidential benefits if he were to become a Member of Parliament.
During a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola announced that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Looklal, had been summoned back to Pretoria to explain his involvement in Zuma’s visit, specifically his appearance alongside fugitive Ajay Gupta. Lamola indicated that the High Commissioner may not face disciplinary proceedings, as he had been asked to provide diplomatic support to Zuma.
The minister said the review process would include requiring former heads of state and former deputy presidents to provide reasons for travel, details of funding sources, and specifications of the events they intend to attend.