The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans has announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to investigate serious allegations relating to the President’s instruction on the conduct of Exercise Will for Peace 2026, with particular focus on the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy.
The decision follows a series of reports alleging that the President’s directives regarding the exercise may not have been carried out as intended, were misrepresented or were ignored during planning and execution processes. Given the strategic sensitivity of multinational military exercises and South Africa’s foreign and defence policy considerations, the matter has attracted significant public and political attention.
The Board of Inquiry will be chaired by Judge B.M. Ngoepe with members including Judge M.M. Leeuw, Judge C. Satchwell and retired Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) P.T. Duze. The composition of the Board brings together senior judicial expertise and military experience, ensuring a balanced and independent examination of both legal and operational dimensions.
According to the Ministry, the primary aim of the Board is to establish all the relevant facts surrounding the allegations, specifically whether the President’s instructions regarding Iran’s participation were properly implemented and communicated within the defence establishment. The findings are expected to clarify decision-making processes, accountability mechanisms and adherence to executive authority within the planning of Exercise Will for Peace 2026.
The Ministry acknowledged that consultations with the identified Board members took longer than anticipated. This process, undertaken to safeguard transparency and full independence, resulted in delays to the originally envisaged timelines. Officials have emphasised that the integrity and credibility of the inquiry remain paramount.
The Board of Inquiry is expected to commence its work once all administrative arrangements have been finalised. Its report will play a critical role in restoring confidence in civil-military relations, executive oversight and the governance of joint and multinational defence activities.
Exercise Will for Peace 2026 remains a significant platform for regional and international military cooperation. The outcome of the inquiry is therefore likely to have broader implications for South Africa’s defence diplomacy, operational planning processes and future multinational engagements.
