The Defence Department has moved to clarify SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s recent visit to Iran, saying it was an official trip authorised by Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.
The department says Maphwanya reported back to the Minister and denied speaking to the media in Iran, stressing the talks were confidential.
This comes after the Presidency called the trip “ill-advised”, saying President Cyril Ramaphosa was not aware of it, while the DA has demanded a court-martial, accusing Maphwanya of political freelancing that undermines South Africa’s foreign policy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 20 August, the Department of Defence said Maphwanya’s official visit was scheduled to take place in 2024, but was postponed to 2025.
“The department wishes to state further that upon his return from the visit, the Chief of the SANDF gave a report to the Minister, given the public interest related to the visit as it has been reported in various media.”
The statement goes on to say:
“The Chief of the SANDF had bilateral engagement with the Iranian officials on matters of mutual interest. Upon completion of the engagement, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi issued a statement on the discussion, however the Chief of the SANDF has reported that he had not spoken to the media houses in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa as he respects the confidentiality of the contents of the discussion between the two Armed Forces. The Minister was satisfied with the General’s report on their engagement on the visit. The Department of Defence will not be commenting further on the matter.”
According to Iranian state media, Maphwanya pledged “common goals” with Iran, endorsing its stance on Gaza, and calling for deeper strategic alignment.
Major General Amir Hatami, Commander of the Iranian Army, called for expanding military cooperation between the two countries and shared a commitment against “global arrogance and colonialism”.
According to Tehran Times, Maphwanya went on to say that South Africa always “stands alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.”
The publication quoted Maphwanya as saying his visit “carries a political message”, and comes “at the best possible time to express our heartfelt sentiments to the peace-loving people of Iran”.
During a press briefing in mid-August, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya revealed that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not know about Maphwanya’s visit to Iran, nor did he sanction it, adding it was ill-advised.
Regarding the alleged political comments made by Maphwanya, Magwenya said at the time that the General should have been far more circumspect, as the visit touched directly on sensitive areas of foreign policy, which do not fall within the purview of the SANDF Chief.
Magwenya echoed the views of DA leader John Steenhuisen that South Africa is in the middle of managing a very delicate exercise – resetting relations with the United States while balancing trade ties in a mutually beneficial manner, and as such, this visit is not helpful when the country is trying to resolve outstanding issues with Washington.
The DA charged that Maphwanya was guilty of gross misconduct and a “flagrant breach of the SANDF Code of Conduct” following his comments in Tehran.
The DA says such political statements are explicitly prohibited for serving officers and violate the SANDF’s duty of political neutrality.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) publicly distanced the government from Maphwanya’s remarks, emphasising that the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy is a function of the Presidency, supported by DIRCO.
“The remarks attributed to General Maphwanya, therefore, do not represent the government’s official foreign policy stance.”
The DA went further to say the Chief of the SANDF was busy with “political freelancing”, and that the only appropriate response would be an immediate court-martial to reaffirm the SANDF’s apolitical character.
DA Leader John Steenhuisen added that whilst many in the Government of National Unity were doing their very best to get the best possible trade deal from the United States of America, actions like this pull the rug out from under them.
The US Government has since reportedly sought further clarity on the Iran visit, expressing “concern” as per News24.
The EFF released a statement on Thursday, 21 August, rejecting the “arrogant posture” by the United States, which “presumes that South Africa owes it explanations for its sovereign diplomatic and military engagements.”
EFF Statement On The United States’ Interference In South Africa’s Relations With Iran And Ramaphosa’s Interference With The Military.
-South Africa must not succumb to bullying and intimidation from the United States. We must continue to engage freely with Iran and all other… pic.twitter.com/QP3hezrG20
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 21, 2025
