Our Viewpoint | Diplomatic indiscipline

South Africa’s diplomats are appointed to represent the Republic, the government of the day and Pretoria’s stated foreign policy. They do not represent former political leaders, party factions or private interests. The recall of High Commissioner Anil Sooklal after he was photographed with former president Jacob Zuma and fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta in India is therefore more than an embarrassing lapse in judgement.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that Sooklal had been “recalled to headquarters for further consultations”. That cannot be the end of the matter. Pretoria must establish who authorised the engagement, what assistance was provided and whether political loyalties were placed above the interests of the state.

The incident follows a series of damaging foreign policy controversies. Former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the United States after remarks that further strained relations with Washington. The secretive docking of the sanctioned Russian vessel Lady R at Simon’s Town triggered allegations that South Africa had supplied arms to Russia.

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Although an official inquiry found no evidence that weapons were loaded, the secrecy and conflicting explanations caused serious reputational damage. SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya also strayed into foreign policy during a visit to Iran, forcing the Presidency and ministers to distance the government from his comments. These were not minor mistakes.

They damaged South Africa’s standing and raised questions about discipline, judgement and allegiance among those deployed to represent the country. Diplomatic appointments should not be rewards for political loyalty. Candidates must be chosen for their judgement, experience, standing, gravitas and ability to protect South Africa’s interests.

Reform is now needed. Diplomatic appointments should be subject to stricter vetting, proper intelligence briefings, clear rules on contact with politically exposed people and regular performance reviews. Officials who breach their mandates must face consequences proportionate to the damage caused.

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