Ramaphosa breaks silence on SANDF Chief’s Iran visit, denies military ties

President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence on the controversial visit by SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya to Iran, saying that South Africa does not have military relations with the Middle Eastern country.

Ramaphosa was responding to a parliamentary question posed by Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader and MP Dr 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. 

However, he acknowledged the poor timing of the trip given global geopolitical tensions.

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

Ramaphosa defended Maphwanya, saying the general 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.

“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.”

While Ramaphosa downplayed the impact of the visit, his office confirmed that he was neither informed of nor authorised Maphwanya’s trip. 

The authorisation reportedly came from Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, who also has oversight of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

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.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described Maphwanya’s comments as “unhelpful,” especially as South Africa attempts to reset diplomatic relations with the United States amid heightened US-Iran tensions.

On Monday, IOL News reported that Ramaphosa and Maphwanya met privately this week to discuss the matter, in a meeting initiated by the president. 

While the meeting was highly anticipated, no official details have been released about the outcome. 

When asked for comment by IOL News, Magwenya declined to elaborate.

SANDF spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Obed Medupe said the defence force was still awaiting confirmation from top officials regarding the matter.

The trip has ignited political debate across party lines.

The Democratic Alliance (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 Economic Freedom Fighters (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.

Parliamentary committee leaders also weighed in. 

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 about Maphwanya’s comments in Iran. Both are committed to meeting with Ministers Lamola and Motshekga.

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

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics