IN CONVERSATION WITH Ryan Smith – DA Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation

The Democratic Alliance has called for answers following reports that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) allegedly instructed South Africa’s High Commissioner to India to officially receive former President Jacob Zuma during his recent visit to India. The visit has attracted significant public attention after Zuma was photographed with Ajay Gupta, one of the Gupta brothers wanted in South Africa in connection with State Capture allegations.
DIRCO has confirmed that it is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the visit. Minister Ronald Lamola has also reiterated that former presidents cannot conduct what he described as a “parallel foreign policy,” raising questions about diplomatic protocol, the use of state resources, and the role of South African missions abroad.
The matter places the DA in a unique position. As South Africa’s official opposition party and a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA is tasked with holding government accountable while also participating in government. The incident therefore raises broader questions about accountability within the GNU, coalition governance, and how disagreements over governance and foreign policy should be managed.