Ramaphosa silent after meeting with SANDF chief on Iran visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya met privately this week, but the public remains in the dark about what was discussed.

The meeting, initiated by Ramaphosa himself, was highly anticipated, given the controversy surrounding General Maphwanya’s recent sanctioned visit to Iran.

General Maphwanya travelled to Iran in August, where he reportedly made statements supporting enhanced military ties with Tehran and criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza.

These comments sparked a storm of criticism back home - notably from International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and the Presidency - who argued that the SANDF Chief had overstepped his bounds by engaging in foreign policy matters traditionally reserved for elected officials.

President Ramaphosa’s office has clarified that the President was neither informed of nor approved of Maphwanya's trip to Iran. 

Instead, authorization came from Minister Angie Motshekga, whose portfolio includes oversight of the Defence Force. 

At the time, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described Maphwanya’s remarks as “unhelpful,” particularly given South Africa’s delicate efforts to reset diplomatic relations with the United States amid US-Iran tensions.

Despite the nature of the meeting between Ramaphosa and Maphwanya, details of their discussion remain undisclosed. 

When IOL sought clarity on the outcome, Magwenya did not comment.

Meanwhile, SANDF spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Obed Medupe said, “We are yet to get confirmation from the top officials.”

Last month, political parties weighed in on the matter with the Democratic Alliance (DA) condemning the Iran visit as “gross misconduct” and a violation of the SANDF code of conduct. 

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

Conversely, the Economic Freedom Fighters defended South Africa’s right to cultivate relations with any country, including Iran, and linked the military’s engagement to BRICS collaboration. 

“The most concerning issue in this regard 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 party said in a statement.

Dakota Legoete, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, and Supra Mahumapelo, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations, expressed concern over Maphwanya’s statements during the Iran visit. 

Both said they intended to hold discussions with Ministers Lamola and Motshekga.

 “These engagements must demonstrate unity, strength, and synergy in how South Africa conducts itself on the international stage,” Legoete stated.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co,za

IOL Politics