South Africa plans new rules on ex-leaders' foreign trips after Zuma's visit to India

What the report says

South Africa’s foreign ministry is proposing new rules to give parliament and the presidency more oversight of foreign trips taken by former heads of state, following criticism over Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to India. BBC Africa reports that the recommendation was made after Zuma, South Africa’s former president and now leader of the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe party, was photographed with Ajay Gupta, a businessman linked to the corruption and “state capture” scandal that damaged Zuma’s government.

The visit prompted political backlash in South Africa, including from a government minister who accused Zuma of disregarding the country’s interests. According to the report, South Africa’s high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, was also pictured with Zuma and Gupta and has since been recalled. The diplomat has denied wrongdoing.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola said his department wants former presidents to submit full details of planned trips in advance so officials can assess possible reputational, diplomatic, security and political risks and decide what level of support, if any, should be provided. The move comes amid broader concern about how ex-leaders’ overseas activity can affect South Africa’s image and foreign relations.

BBC Africa notes that Zuma has drawn scrutiny before for foreign travel, including a visit to Morocco last year that South Africa publicly protested over its implications for the Western Sahara dispute.