By Akani Nkuna
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has been recalled to the department’s headquarters for “consultations”.
The recall follows an internal investigation ordered by Lamola after Sooklal was photographed with former president Jacob Zuma and state capture-implicated businessman Ajay Gupta during Zuma’s private visit to India in June.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Lamola said the government was also considering tighter rules governing the diplomatic and protocol support provided to former presidents and deputy presidents travelling abroad.
“We confirm that High Commissioner Anil Sooklal has been recalled to Headquarters for consultations,” Lamola said.
“We have also submitted a recommendation to Parliament and the Presidency to consider a new framework for protocol and diplomatic support to former Presidents and former Deputy Presidents during international travel.”
Lamola said the proposed framework would require former
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