Former South African president Jacob Zuma has reignited controversy after being photographed with Ajay Gupta in India. The photo, taken at a temple and circulated by Indian media, has drawn criticism from government officials and citizens alike. Ajay Gupta is a central figure in the state capture scandal that rocked South Africa during Zuma’s presidency.
The Gupta family is accused of using their relationship with Zuma to secure government contracts and influence cabinet appointments. A 2018 judicial commission found evidence of widespread corruption involving Zuma and the Guptas. Both parties deny wrongdoing. The Guptas left South Africa in 2018, and arrest warrants followed. Later, charges against Ajay Gupta were dropped. Atul and Rajesh Gupta moved to the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, a court there refused to extradite them.
Government minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned Zuma’s meeting with Ajay Gupta. She said it disrespects South Africans who suffered financial losses from state capture. Ntshavheni called Zuma’s actions disturbing and said he “blatantly disregards” the impact of the Guptas’ activities.
The controversy deepened when it emerged that South Africa’s high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, attended the meeting. International relations minister Ronald Lamola announced an official investigation. Lamola accused Zuma of running a parallel foreign policy.
Zuma resigned in 2018 amid growing corruption allegations. He now leads the MK party and has said he plans to run for president again. In 2024, the MK party won about 15% of the vote, helping end the ANC’s majority for the first time since 1994.
South African authorities continue to grapple with the legacy of state capture. Zuma’s recent actions have kept the debate over accountability and governance in the spotlight.
