The Democratic Alliance has demanded the immediate court‑martial of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, after his public statements during a visit to Tehran. According to the DA, Maphwanya’s remarks—pledging “common goals” with Iran, endorsing its stance on Gaza, and calling for strategic alignment—constitute gross misconduct and breach the SANDF’s code of political neutrality.
DA spokesperson Chris Hattingh described this behaviour as “reckless political freelancing” that undermines constitutional principles, national security, and diplomatic integrity. He warned that such statements risk eroding essential trade, investment and international relations.
Although the Ministries of Defence and International Relations and Cooperation officially dissociated the government from the SANDF chief’s remarks and reaffirmed that foreign policy remains the province of the President and DIRCO, the DA argues this is insufficient. Hattingh insists that only a court‑martial will uphold discipline, reaffirm the SANDF’s apolitical character, and send a clear message that no one is above the Constitution.
The party has urged Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to instruct the Adjutant General to initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act—where conduct of this nature may result in dismissal or cashiering.
