Former South African President Jacob Zuma has come under political scrutiny after appearing alongside fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta during a visit to a Hindu temple in northern India, prompting criticism from South Africa’s opposition.
Zuma visited the Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar in late June, where Indian media reported he was joined by Ajay Gupta and South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal.
The visit has drawn attention in South Africa due to Gupta’s status as a wanted figure in connection with the country’s “state capture” corruption investigations.
During the visit, Zuma told reporters he believes he will win future elections, saying “the people of God” are supporting him.
Zuma’s political party, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), said Zuma was travelling in a private capacity for religious purposes and was free to travel internationally. The party said Zuma has visited the temple since 2012 and argued that Gupta’s attendance at a public religious event was not the responsibility of the party. It also criticised South African courts over their handling of cases involving the Gupta family.
The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), part of the Government of National Unity, condemned the visit and questioned the role of a South African diplomat in facilitating contact between Zuma and a wanted suspect. The DA said the meeting was an “insult to South Africans.”
The Gupta family, including Ajay Gupta, has been linked to allegations of large-scale corruption during Zuma’s presidency in South Africa. Ajay Gupta remains wanted by South African authorities.
The incident has renewed political debate over the legacy of the state capture investigations and the conduct of former officials.