JOHANNESBURG - Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has come to the defence of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief Rudzani Maphwanya following backlash over his recent remarks during a visit to Iran.
This week, Maphwanya sparked a diplomatic stir after claiming South Africa and Iran had ‘common goals’.
His comments drew criticism from International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and the Presidency, as they felt the SANDF chief had stepped into foreign policy matters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office clarified that he had not been informed of or approved Maphwanya’s visit to Iran, but highlighted that the authorisation came from Motshekga, which falls under her ministerial responsibility.
Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained that Maphwanya’s remarks were unhelpful, particularly as the South African Government is engaged in a ‘very delicate exercise’ to reset diplomatic relations with the United States (US), which has ongoing disputes with Iran.
Amid calls from the Democratic Alliance (DA) for a court martial against the SANDF general, Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet Maphwanya next week.
According to the Sunday Times, no disciplinary action will be taken against either Maphwanya or Motshekga.
Motshekga defended the SANDF chief, insisting that his visit to Iran was entirely appropriate.
“It’s a coincidence that it (the trip) coincides with the tensions between Iran and the US and that we are negotiating on tariffs.
“This invitation is from last year. I sanctioned it last year. The event was postponed and they then communicated back to say let’s continue,” she told the publication.
The minister also told News24 that Maphwanya’s comments had been misinterpreted.
“Is it because Iran is in conflict with America that we are now also not allowed to touch Iran. We have our own bilateral relations with countries,” she said.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) similarly defended Maphwanya, arguing that his statements accurately reflected South Africa’s foreign policy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya. (Pic: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu)