The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has officially cleared South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, of any misconduct following his attendance at a prayer meeting in Haridwar, India, on June 26, 2026. The event, which included former President Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta, a key figure in the State Capture scandal, caused significant embarrassment to the South African government after images were published by Indian media. Minister Ronald Lamola had previously recalled Sooklal to Pretoria for consultations.