President Cyril Ramaphosa has distanced himself from South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s visit to Iran, stating he neither knew of nor authorised the trip.
During the visit, Maphwanya reportedly endorsed Iran’s stance on Gaza and called for closer ties, remarks that have drawn strong criticism.
Presidency Confirms Lack of Authorisation
At a media briefing on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa had not sanctioned the visit and expressed concern over Maphwanya’s reported statements in Tehran.
“Neither did he sanction that visit,” Magwenya said. “The general’s administrative process for travel approval starts and ends with the minister. While the President is the appointing authority and the commander-in-chief, he does not supervise the general’s travel.”
In Tehran, Maphwanya pledged “common goals” with Iran, backed its Gaza position, and called for deeper strategic alignment, exceeding his constitutional and professional mandate.
Presidency Calls Remarks ‘Ill-Advised’
Magwenya criticised the comments as troubling and poorly timed.
“Yes, there is concern. At this period of heightened geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East, one can say the visit was ill-advised,” he said.
He stressed that the general should have been more cautious, especially on matters of foreign policy an area strictly reserved for the President and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
US Relations at Stake
Magwenya highlighted that South Africa is currently working to restore its diplomatic and trade relationship with the United States.
“We are managing a delicate process of resetting political and diplomatic relations with the US and balancing trade relations in a mutually beneficial way,” he said.
“It is not helpful when senior government or military officials make visits and statements that could inflame tensions. In managing the US relationship, we are also countering significant disinformation from Washington and some local quarters. The government must speak with one voice.”
Meeting with the President Expected
Magwenya confirmed that Maphwanya has returned to South Africa and will meet with Ramaphosa to discuss the matter.
He explained that while the SANDF may engage foreign military counterparts under bilateral and multilateral agreements such as joint training, peacekeeping, and disaster response, these engagements must remain strictly military.
“Senior military officers do not engage outside of their military purview,” Magwenya said. “They do not represent the country on foreign policy matters, nor are they delegated to perform such functions.”
Should senior military leaders face disciplinary action for making foreign policy statements without authorisation?
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