SANDF Chief's 'ill-timed' Iran trip was long planned - Ramaphosa

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya acknowledged the poor timing of the controversial trip to Iran given global geopolitical tensions.

Ramaphosa said Maphwanya had conceded that the trip’s timing was ill-judged and that his statements in Iran reflected the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“I had a long discussion with him, and we both agreed that the timing could have been managed differently,” the president said.

Ramaphosa was responding to a parliamentary question posed by Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader and MP Mmusi Maimane, who had demanded clarity on the nature of South Africa’s relationship with Iran and whether any action had been taken against Maphwanya.

“We do not have any military operations with Iran,” said Ramaphosa.

He explained that Maphwanya’s visit was part of a pre-determined itinerary arranged almost two years ago. 

“Iran is one of the members of BRICS. In fact, we held a BRICS summit yesterday online, and Iran was present, as were countries like China, India, Ethiopia, Egypt, Brazil, and others,” he added.

“In dealing with Iran, we engage with them as a sovereign nation, just as we expect others to respect our sovereignty and our right to conduct international relations.”

Maphwanya travelled to Iran in August, where he reportedly voiced support for enhanced military ties with Tehran and criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza. 

His remarks drew sharp criticism domestically, particularly from International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and the Presidency, who said Maphwanya had overstepped his mandate by delving into foreign policy - typically the domain of elected officials. His remarks also came at a time when South Africa was hit with 30% tariffs on its exports to the US. 

The DA labelled the visit “gross misconduct” and accused the government of aligning with authoritarian regimes, warning it could damage South Africa’s trade, investment, and security partnerships.

“From alienating key democratic allies to embracing authoritarian regimes under sanctions, this approach is steadily eroding partnerships essential to our country’s stability and prosperity,” said DA defence spokesperson Chris Hattingh.

The EFF, however, defended the military engagement, linking it to broader BRICS collaboration. The party also criticised what it termed “political interference” by the executive.

“The most concerning issue is the apparent political interference with the military by the president and his executive. We support the independence of the military, whose activities cannot be dictated to by politicians, including their commander-in-chief,” the EFF said in a statement.

Cape Times