Jacob Zuma’s Gupta Meeting Sparks Controversy

Sun Sep 06 2026 05:18:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

South African officials condemn Zuma's meeting with Ajay Gupta as a “middle finger” gesture amid state capture allegations.

Former President Jacob Zuma was photographed with Ajay Gupta in an Indian temple, reigniting controversy over the former leader’s ties to the Gupta family and alleged role in state capture. Cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned the meeting, labeling it a disrespectful gesture toward South Africans and highlighting Zuma’s intent to run again. The South African government will investigate the meeting as a possible parallel foreign policy, with the high commissioner to India reportedly accompanying Zuma. This event underscores ongoing tensions in South Africa’s political landscape and brings the international links of the Gupta brothers into sharp focus.

Jacob Zuma’s Gupta Meeting Sparks Controversy

Former President Jacob Zuma was photographed meeting Ajay Gupta in an Indian temple, a move that Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni called a “middle finger” to the nation and a “disgrace”.

The photo surfaced on Indian media this week and highlights the close ties that sparked the 2018 state capture inquiry, which found Zuma had empowered Gupta family members for policy influence.

South African authorities had canceled an arrest warrant for Ajay Gupta in 2019 and later had the two younger Gupta brothers extradited to the UAE when officials denied South Africa’s request.

Zuma, now head of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, reportedly said he would stand for re‑election. Cabinet officials added that the meeting signaled a “parallel foreign policy” and that the high commissioner to India had accompanied him.

South Africa will launch an investigation, and the incident reflects the broader fallout of state capture, where Zuma, the ANC, and the Guptas were intertwined with major corruption scandals.