South Africa’s Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans has moved to clarify comments reportedly made by SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, during a meeting with Iran’s defence leadership, in which he expressed solidarity with Tehran.
By Peter Fabricus and Victoria O’Regan – Daily Maverick
In an official statement, the ministry stressed that foreign policy and international relations are the sole responsibility of the President and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). “The Department of Defence and Military Veterans does not make political or policy decisions on international relations,” the statement read. It described the remarks as “unfortunate” and confirmed that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga will engage directly with General Maphwanya upon his return.
According to the Daily Maverick, Maphwanya’s comments, made during his official visit to Iran, drew swift criticism from ministers and senior officials, who emphasised that such expressions of political solidarity risk misrepresenting South Africa’s diplomatic stance. The incident has sparked debate about the limits of military diplomacy and the potential implications for South Africa’s international relations.
