President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an urgent investigation into a controversial multinational naval exercise after instructions to exclude Iran’s navy were allegedly ignored.
The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that an independent investigative panel has been established to probe events surrounding Exercise MOSI III – Will of Peace 2026, which took place in South African waters under Chinese leadership.
The inquiry will be chaired by retired judge Bernard Ngoepe, supported by Justice Kathleen Satchwell, Justice Mmathebe Leeuw, and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze. The panel will report directly to the President.
According to the Presidency, the investigation was transferred from the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans to the Presidency to ensure an independent and swift probe.
At the centre of the investigation is the reported failure to comply with a Presidential directive stating that the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran should not participate in the exercise.
As Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force under Section 202(1) of the Constitution, Ramaphosa has authority over military operations and oversight of defence matters.
What the panel will investigate
The investigative panel has been tasked with determining:
- The circumstances surrounding the naval exercise
- Why the President’s instruction was allegedly not followed
- Who may have been responsible
- What consequences or disciplinary steps should follow
The panel will have wide-ranging powers, including the authority to summon members of the defence force and public service, and to access documents, including classified material, necessary to complete its work.
Tight deadline and secrecy provisions
President Ramaphosa has directed that the investigation be completed within one calendar month of the panel’s establishment, although the timeline may be extended if necessary.
Due to national security considerations, proceedings will be conducted confidentially. The President will ultimately decide, based on the panel’s recommendations and advice from the Minister, whether any part of the findings will be made public.
The probe comes amid heightened scrutiny of South Africa’s military cooperation and foreign policy positioning, particularly regarding joint exercises involving global powers.
The Presidency says the investigation aims to ensure accountability and reinforce adherence to constitutional authority within the country’s defence structures.
