By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied that South Africa has any military ties with Iran, following backlash over SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s controversial visit to the country.
Ramaphosa was responding to a parliamentary question posed by Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader and MP Dr Mmusi Maimane.
Maimane was seeking clarity on the nature of South Africa’s relationship with Iran and whether any action had been taken against Maphwanya.
Maphwanya has been criticised after he pledged military and political support to Iran during a recent visit to the country.
The government has since distanced itself from these comments.
The row comes as South Africa navigates tense relations with the US, which has taken exception to the country’s ties with Iran, among other issues.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the poor timing of the trip given global geopolitical tensions.
“I had a long discussion with him, and we both agreed that the timing could have been managed differently, “the president said.
Ramaphosa defended Maphwanya, saying the general had conceded that the trip’s timing was ill-judged and that his statements in Iran reflected the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries.
“Iran is one of the members of BRICS. In fact, we held a BRICS summit yesterday online, and Iran was present, as were countries like China, India, Ethiopia, Egypt, Brazil, and others,” he added.
In dealing with Iran, we engage with them as a sovereign nation, just as we expect others to respect our sovereignty and our right to conduct international relations.”
While Ramaphosa downplayed the impact of the visit, his office confirmed that he was neither informed of nor authorised Maphwanya’s trip.
The authorisation came from Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, who also has oversight of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Maphwanya’s trip was aimed at strengthening military cooperation.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Ramaphosa’s decision to clear Maphwanya undermines the credibility of the SANDF, and the legitimacy of government.
The party said, members of the SANDF are required to remain apolitical at all times. Yet, in this case, the country’s most senior military official abandoned neutrality and ventured into the realm of foreign policy. This prerogative rests with the President and Ministry of International Relations.”
The president, as the Commander in Chief of SANDF, had at his disposal multiple actions he could have taken to hold General Maphwanya accountable, including :
- A letter of reprimand
- Relief of Command (firing)
- Denial of further promotions
- Forced retirement
Instead, Ramaphosa chose to let a General off the hook, for grossly overstepping his command and overtaking the roles of elected government officials, added the GNU partner.