PRETORIA, Gauteng — The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has launched a scathing critique regarding former President Jacob Zuma’s recent Gupta meeting in India, while simultaneously condemning the controversial reappointment of Dina Pule to the cabinet. Neeshan Balton, the foundation’s executive director, addressed the media to outline the organization’s deep concerns over both the diplomatic fallout surrounding the fugitive businessmen and the integrity of the newly sworn-in Social Development minister.
Diplomatic Fallout Over the India Trip
The diplomatic friction erupted after an Indian broadcaster aired footage of the former president visiting a temple in Haridwar. During the broadcast, Zuma was quoted stating that his purpose in India was simply to visit his “brother and friend.”
However, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation firmly rejects this justification. Balton argued that if Zuma had traveled independently to visit a friend with no ties to state capture, the trip would not be an issue. The core problem, according to the foundation, is that the Zondo Commission explicitly found that Zuma enabled the Gupta family to loot the country and subsequently flee from accountability.
Furthermore, Balton dismissed the optics of Zuma’s religious pilgrimage, stating that using a visit to the Haridwar temple to claim divine permission for a return to the South African presidency is “beyond ridiculous.”
The Gupta Brothers’ Track Record
The foundation emphasized that the Gupta brothers, specifically Atul (AJ) and Rajesh (RJ), are wanted fugitives in South Africa. The judicial commission of inquiry into state capture, led by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, confirmed the extensive damage caused by their network.
Balton reminded the public of the specific allegations leveled against AJ Gupta, noting that he allegedly offered then-Deputy Minister Mcebisi Jonas a R600 million bribe to secure the finance minister portfolio and execute the family’s bidding. Additionally, AJ Gupta reportedly pressured Themba Maseko, the head of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), to surrender all state advertising contracts to the family. The foundation also highlighted that the Guptas frequently notified individuals of their ministerial appointments before the president himself made the official pronouncements, suggesting that their Saxonwold residence held more political gravity than the Union Buildings at the time.
Questions for High Commissioner Anil Sooklal
The controversy deepened when Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola was forced to publicly address the situation. This intervention came after photographs surfaced showing South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, pictured alongside Zuma and RJ Gupta.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is now demanding that the Presidency and the Department of International Relations clarify the extent of Sooklal’s involvement. Balton posed several critical questions regarding the High Commissioner’s actions:
- Did Sooklal merely visit the Haridwar temple, or did he accompany the former president to Saharanpur—the Gupta family town—to meet with the wider family?
- Given that the Guptas are also wanted by Indian authorities for alleged wrongdoings, did the High Commissioner use this opportunity to inform the Indian government of their whereabouts?
- Did Sooklal notify Pretoria in advance of the meeting to assist in efforts to bring the fugitives to account?
Balton stressed that the optics of a senior South African diplomat fraternizing with individuals deemed culpable for massive economic damage by the Zondo Commission are entirely inappropriate.
Electoral Popularity vs. National Accountability
Addressing the reality that Zuma’s political party currently serves as the main opposition in parliament and retains significant voter support, the foundation was asked why the former president should be blamed if the public does not see an issue with his actions. It was noted that South Africans took to the streets in July 2021—allegedly sparked by his incarceration—and that his party could potentially secure a majority in future elections.
Balton countered that electoral popularity does not erase the absolute damage inflicted on the nation by Zuma, the Guptas, and their associates. He emphasized that it often falls to minority voices and civil organizations to continuously highlight these wrongdoings, hoping that the broader public will eventually understand the severe consequences of such political support.
Dina Pule’s Return to Government
Shifting focus to domestic governance, the foundation also issued a stern rebuke regarding the swearing-in of Dina Pule as the Minister of Social Development. While the governing African National Congress (ANC) has defended her return by claiming she has been “rehabilitated” and shown remorse for the actions that previously led to her dismissal, the foundation remains deeply unconvinced.
Balton pointed out that Pule was previously found guilty of gross misconduct and irregular behavior by both the Public Protector and Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics. The foundation argues that cabinet appointments must inspire public confidence, a standard this decision fails to meet, particularly in a ministry with a troubled history of similar leadership failures that previously forced a minister out of office.
In a strongly worded statement, the foundation declared that placing an individual previously found guilty of compromising her oath of office in charge of the Social Development portfolio is an “insult to the poor.” The department is tasked with overseeing life-saving social grants and support programs for millions of destitute citizens.
Balton emphasized that managing the massive disbursement of public funds requires a leader of unquestioned integrity. Given the department’s history of repeated failures and poor leadership, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation expressed profound alarm over the risks posed to the vulnerable populations who rely entirely on the ministry’s services.