Former South African President Jacob Zuma has come under fresh criticism after reports revealed he met businessman Ajay Gupta at a temple in India. The meeting has reignited public debate over South Africa’s long running state capture scandal and raised new political questions.
A photo of Zuma and Gupta together recently appeared in Indian media. Soon after, South African government officials strongly criticized the former president. They argued that the meeting showed a lack of respect for citizens who suffered during the years of corruption allegations linked to the Gupta family.
Government Condemns the Meeting
Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni described the meeting as deeply troubling. She said Zuma’s actions insulted South Africans who experienced the financial and economic damage caused during the state capture era.
Ntshavheni also criticized Zuma’s reported plan to contest the country’s next general election. According to her, the former president continues to ignore public concerns while seeking another chance to lead the nation.
Gupta Family Remains at the Center of the Controversy
The Gupta brothers became one of South Africa’s most controversial business families after allegations that they used their close relationship with Zuma to influence government appointments and major state decisions.
The family denied all allegations. Zuma has also repeatedly rejected claims that he acted improperly during his presidency.
The Gupta family left South Africa in 2018 after authorities launched a judicial inquiry into state capture. Since then, legal efforts to bring members of the family back to South Africa have faced several challenges.
Authorities later withdrew the arrest warrant issued for Ajay Gupta. Meanwhile, Atul Gupta and Rajesh Gupta relocated to the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, a UAE court rejected South Africa’s request to extradite the two brothers.
State Capture Inquiry Linked Zuma to Key Decisions
A judicial commission released its findings in 2022. The report concluded that Zuma allowed the Gupta family to influence important government decisions.
Investigators said the family played a role in the removal of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene in 2015 after disagreements over government policies. The report also stated that ministers Des van Rooyen and Malusi Gigaba received appointments that aligned with the Gupta family’s interests.
In addition, the inquiry found evidence that executives connected to the Gupta network secured influential positions at the state power company Eskom. These appointments allegedly helped expand the family’s influence over public institutions.
Government Orders Investigation
Reports indicate that Zuma, who now leads the MK Party, said he plans to stand for re election in South Africa’s next national vote after meeting Ajay Gupta.
Government officials also questioned why South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, accompanied Zuma during the visit.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the meeting. He added that the government believes Zuma appeared to be conducting his own foreign engagements outside official state channels.
The renewed controversy has once again placed Zuma and the Gupta family at the center of South Africa’s ongoing debate over corruption, accountability, and political leadership.
