Former South African President Jacob Zuma offered prayers at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar on Friday during his visit to Uttarakhand. He was accompanied by South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, and met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri.
First visit to Haridwar
Speaking to the media, Swami Kailashanand Giri said that Zuma's visit marked his first trip to Haridwar. "Former South African President Jacob Zuma visited Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir today. He is friends with Ajay Gupta who is a disciple and member of the ashram family. High Commissioner of South Africa Anil Sooklal, UP Minister Y.P. Singh and all of us came to Saharanpur from Delhi. From Saharanpur, we headed to Haridwar... He is here in Haridwar, Uttarakhand for the very first time. Local elections will be held in South Africa in November and in 2029, presidential elections will be held there. So, he came here to offer prayers..."
Zuma's political future
After the prayers, Zuma expressed happiness over his visit to India and said he looked forward to returning for a longer stay. He also spoke about his tenure as president and his plans to contest elections again in South Africa. Zuma told the media, "I am very happy that I visited this great country at the right time... I had led the country at one point, but they put me aside and I remained there. I realised that they were messing up the country. They were not taking the country forward. I decided to take a decision to retake the country forward... I feel I am going to win the elections because the people of God have been with me."
Gratitude and future plans
He further expressed gratitude to those who facilitated his visit and said he intended to return to India for a longer duration after completing his commitments in South Africa. "After we finish what we are doing in our country, I will pay a visit here which will not be just 2-3 days but a big one. So that I can say 'thank you' to my brothers and friends here for giving me this opportunity to come here..."
