ActionSA criticise govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India

ActionSA criticise govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India ActionSA has condemned the government's decision to withhold disciplinary action against South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal. The party called on Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Ronald Lamola to make public the reason behind the decision. In addition to demanding transparency, ActionSA is calling for the immediate disclosure of all internal investigative findings. The party wants to know why disciplinary sanctions were deemed unnecessary, given the political and ethical implications of the diplomat's recent associations. The political storm ignited in June when Sooklal was photographed alongside former President and MKP leader Jacob Zuma, as well as notorious State Capture fugitive Ajay Gupta. The trio were spotted together at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali temple in Haridwar, India. The imagery provoked immediate public backlash, considering the multi-billion-rand corruption allegations and outstanding legal matters tied to the Gupta family's role in institutional State capture. Last month, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni issued a stern, open reprimand against Sooklal for hosting the controversial pair. However, the State's narrative shifted dramatically during a subsequent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting. Information emerged indicating that Sooklal may not have acted independently, but rather under direct written instructions issued by Dirco management. ActionSA says the public has a right to know the contents of those communication trails. ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said any friendly association between senior public officials and those implicated in State capture demands thorough scrutiny and decisive action. "It is therefore entirely reasonable to expect that public representatives entrusted with advancing South Africa's interests abroad should be held to the highest ethical standard," said Trollip. "Choosing not to act in these circumstances sends the wrong message and further erodes public confidence in the State's willingness to confront and eradicate the legacy of State Capture." The party said the newly formed Government of National Unity cannot credibly claim a commitment to clean governance and the rule of law while actively appearing to excuse conduct that normalises relations with State fugitives.