SACP rallies behind under fire army chief over visit to Iran

THE South African Communist Party (SACP) has thrown its weight behind under fire South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, saying his recent trip to Iran was part of long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Maphwanya, who travelled last Tuesday, held meetings with several high-ranking military officials, including Major General Aziz Nasizadeh, Iran’s defence minister, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and General Amir Hatami, the Iranian commander.

The trip was aimed at strengthening military cooperation.

According to Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, Maphwanya said that the two countries had common goals, and always stood alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.

He also took aim at Israel over the continued war in Gaza as he reiterated support for the Palestinian people and told officials his visit "carries a political message" from Ramaphosa's administration.

Maphwanya reportedly pledged military and political support for the country, a move that could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US.

Both ministries of International Relations and Cooperation and of Defence have since dissociated the government from Maphwanya’s remarks while the Presidency described them as ill-advised and ‘unhelpful’.

Weighing in on the matter, the SACP said it rejected any attempt at dictating which nations South Africa may have bilateral relations with, including defence, trade and investment.

“The SACP rejects the impending acts of isolation and scapegoating of General Maphwanya to appease Western imperialist forces and their domestic agents, compromising South Africa’s sovereign right to formulate and implement its own foreign policy, including on defence co-operation.

"Any actions by the government towards General Maphwanya as Military Chief must be based on strengthening our military institutions and their capabilities, improving our defence co-operation agreements with other states to which we have full sovereign rights.”

International Relations Dr Noluthando Phungula said the timing of this visit and the utterances made set back efforts to mend relations with the US, particularly since there is much misinformation on the side of the US.

The sentiments were echoed by Solidarity, which called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Maphwanya, warning that the visit places South Africa’s relationship with the US at serious risk and threatens the country’s broader international credibility and trade interests.

“It is unacceptable that South Africa, at a time when our economy urgently needs access to international markets, chooses to strengthen ties with countries such as Iran, which is internationally isolated due to its policies and actions,” said Jaco Kleynhans, head of international liaison.

Cape Times