Key facts
- South Africa's foreign minister proposed new rules for former heads of state's foreign trips.
- The proposal follows ex-President Jacob Zuma's controversial visit to India.
- During the visit, Zuma met with Ajay Gupta, a businessman linked to a corruption scandal.
- The proposed rules require former leaders to provide trip details for risk assessment.
- Zuma's previous foreign trips have also led to diplomatic protests.
South Africa's foreign minister is proposing new rules and greater transparency for former heads of state undertaking foreign trips, prompted by a controversial visit to India by ex-President Jacob Zuma. The recommendation, submitted to parliament, aims to assess potential reputational, political, diplomatic, or security risks associated with such travel.
Zuma, who now leads the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party after being expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), met with Ajay Gupta, one of the businessmen accused of profiting from close ties to Zuma during his presidency and influencing state policy. A photograph of the 84-year-old politician and Gupta at an Indian temple, along with South Africa's high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, led to Sooklal's recall. Sooklal has denied any wrongdoing.