MK Party says Zuma’s India trip was private as Gupta presence fuels scrutiny

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has defended former president Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to India, saying it was a personal engagement after images surfaced of Zuma with a member of the Gupta family that have renewed public scrutiny.

Party calls visit a private matter

The MK Party’s secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, told Newzroom Afrika the trip was a private visit and the party should not be held responsible for Zuma’s personal activities.

“We said the trip to India was a personal visit by the president. The fact that he’s the former head of state does not preclude him from visiting any area in the world, so he went there to visit, and it was a private visit,”

Nomvalo emphasised that Zuma’s status as a former president did not prevent him from travelling or meeting people of his choice, and argued the party could not be expected to account for his private engagements. He added that individuals are entitled to privacy, and said:

“Everyone has a freedom to privacy. Next time you will ask us what people do when they are in a restroom and we must be accountable for that.”

Nomvalo also told reporters the visit was unrelated to the MK Party and described it as a trip where Zuma had gone to visit leaders of a religious society in India.

Photos and company prompt questions

Zuma travelled to the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in late June, where he was photographed at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir in Haridwar alongside Ajay Gupta. Indian media reported Zuma was accompanied by Ajay Gupta, who was described as a disciple of the ashram, and by South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal.

The presence of Ajay Gupta, who the report says remains wanted by South African authorities, has drawn scrutiny and renewed questions about Zuma’s relationship with the Gupta family. The Gupta family, including Ajay and Atul Gupta, became central figures in allegations of state capture during Zuma’s presidency; the family has denied wrongdoing.

Zuma’s comments in India

During the visit, Zuma made political remarks to reporters, saying he believed he would return to power and that he was confident of winning future elections because “the people of God” had stood by him. He also said he was pleased to be visiting India “at the right time” and recalled that he had once led South Africa before being removed from office.

Government response and probe

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said Zuma’s engagement in India reflected negatively on South Africa and appeared to amount to a “parallel foreign policy.” Lamola said his department was investigating the circumstances surrounding the visit, including how it was facilitated, its purpose and whether there were any implications under the Foreign Service Act.

He noted that former presidents are entitled to certain privileges, including assistance through diplomatic protocols, but said those privileges did not extend to representing the government abroad. Lamola stated:

“We must state that while the Presidential Act does allow privileges to flow to former presidents, it does not allow them to run a parallel foreign policy, which seems to be the case now with former President Zuma.”

What’s next

The MK Party maintains the trip was a private visit and unrelated to the organisation. The International Relations department’s investigation will examine facilitation, purpose and potential legal implications under the Foreign Service Act.