South African High Commissioner to India faces probe after appearing with Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta
via The Namibian8 min read
South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, is under investigation by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Dirco after he appeared at an event in Haridwar, India, with former President Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola ordered the internal probe. Photos from the event, a prayer meeting at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple on June 26, show Zuma, Sooklal, and Gupta alongside Swami Kailashanand Giri. The Democratic Alliance has called for Sooklal to face consequences, while ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula criticized Zuma for meeting with the Guptas, whom he described as "fugitives of the law." Sources close to Dirco suggest Sooklal was following standard procedure to extend courtesies to a former head of state and was unaware of Ajay Gupta's presence, claiming Gupta inserted himself into a photo requested by Zuma. The sources also stated Sooklal was independently invited to the prayer meeting by Swami Giri and only learned of Zuma's visit to Haridwar the day before. Ajay Gupta, widely suspected as a key figure in State Capture during Zuma's presidency, does not currently have an arrest warrant against him from the National Prosecuting Authority NPA, unlike his brothers Atul and Rajesh, for whom Interpol Red Notices were issued. Zuma, garlanded with flowers, reportedly stated he came to India to visit his "brother and friend" Ajay Gupta, who was forced to leave South Af
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The One Economy Foundation has introduced the iBreakFree sexual and reproductive health SRH web application, designed to enhance young people's access to health information, self-screening tools, and healthcare service referrals. According to spokesperson Paulina Moses, the platform, developed under the iBreakFree Project with Global Fund support via the Ministry of Health and Social Services, offers information on HIV-AIDS prevention, family planning, mental health, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual and gender-based violence. It also provides private self-screening tools for HIV, STIs, and gender-based violence, alongside referrals to healthcare services and online support. To assist young people without internet access or smart devices, the foundation has established two SRH digital hubs at the Eenhana Multi-Purpose Youth Centre in the Ohangwena region and the Outapi Multi-Purpose Youth Centre in the Omusati region. The platform is intended for individuals aged 13 to 35 as a reliable source for SRH information and support.
Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a dramatic World Cup match, advancing to the last 16 where they will face European champions Spain. Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, though Croatia had a late equalizer disallowed by VAR due to an offside decision. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's 41-year-old captain, scored a penalty in the 68th minute, becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match. After the game, an emotional Ronaldo paid tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota, who died almost a year ago. Meanwhile, Spain advanced to the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Austria, with two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and one from Pedro Porro. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction with his team's performance but emphasized the need for continued improvement. In another match, Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0, with goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, continuing Africa's challenging start to the knockout rounds as Algeria became the latest African team to exit.
Must ReadA diplomatic disagreement has emerged between South Africa and Ghana following claims by Ghana that a Ghanaian man was killed during anti-migrant protests in South Africa, which South African officials deny. Ghana's Foreign Affairs ministry expressed profound shock over reports that 40-year-old Bashiru Isak was shot dead in Cape Town's Khayelitsha township and filed a formal protest note and police complaint. South Africa's justice minister responded by expressing concern that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information regarding irregular migration. South African police stated they have no record of a murder in Khayelitsha but are investigating the killing of 35-year-old Ghanaian Kwabena Boagen in Nyanga, a different Cape Town township, allegedly due to extortion. Police requested details from Ghanaian authorities regarding the Khayelitsha incident. A South African foreign ministry official called claims linking the death to anti-migrant protests a "fabricated tale." Anti-migrant groups in South Africa had set an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, leading to thousands marching. Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria have been repatriating citizens from South Africa, with about 25,000 people having left. Police reported that Tuesday's protests were largely peaceful, with about 900 arrests for immigration-related offenses and looting. Ghana demanded a full, transparent, and expedited investigation into Isak's death and urged South Afri