South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya is facing mounting pressure to explain controversial political statements he made during an official visit to Iran this week, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) now demanding his immediate court-martial for allegedly breaching military neutrality.
The controversy erupted after Maphwanya met with senior Iranian military officials on Tuesday, where he made what critics describe as inappropriate political pronouncements that exceeded his constitutional mandate.
Political statements spark outrage
According to Iranian state media, Maphwanya told his hosts that his visit carried significant political weight beyond military cooperation.
“This trip is not only a military one, but has a political message and was carried out at the best possible time to express our heartfelt feelings to the peace-loving nation of Iran,” the SANDF chief reportedly stated.
During his tour of Iran’s defence research and training facility Dafoos, Maphwanya praised the institution’s capabilities and expressed enthusiasm for potential military cooperation.
“Dafoos possesses highly advanced academic capabilities, and we are truly enthusiastic about fostering military cooperation with this university,” he said.
Ministries rush to distance government
The statements prompted swift clarification from both the Ministry of Defence and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), with both departments emphasising that Maphwanya’s comments did not reflect official government policy.
In a statement released Wednesday night, the defence ministry made clear its displeasure with the general’s remarks.
“The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans wishes to clarify that matters of South Africa’s foreign policy and international relations are the sole prerogative of the president and the department of International Relations and Cooperation,” the ministry stated.
The department stressed that it does “not make political or policy decisions” related to South Africa’s relationships with foreign states or diplomats, adding that “the ministry will be engaging with General Maphwanya on his return.”
Dirco spokesperson Crispin Phiri issued a separate clarification, emphasising the proper channels for foreign policy decisions.
“It is crucial to clarify that the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy is a function of the Presidency, supported by Dirco,” Phiri stated. “Any statements made by an individual, or a department other than those responsible for foreign policy, should not be misinterpreted as the official position of the South African government.”
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has indicated he will be “seeking further clarification” on the matter.
DA demands court-martial
The opposition DA has escalated the controversy by calling for Maphwanya’s immediate court-martial, arguing that his statements constitute gross misconduct and a flagrant breach of the SANDF Code of Conduct.
DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh MP, accused the general of making political statements that are “explicitly prohibited for serving officers” and violate the SANDF’s duty of political neutrality.
“According to Iranian state media, Maphwanya went far beyond his constitutional and professional mandate, pledging ‘common goals’ with Iran, endorsing its stance on Gaza, and calling for deeper strategic alignment,” Hattingh stated.
The DA argued that such conduct undermines “the constitutional principle of civilian control over the military” and represents “reckless political freelancing” that forms part of a wider pattern of problematic foreign policy decisions.
Pattern of controversy
Hattingh characterised the incident as part of broader foreign policy issues, claiming it represents “foreign policy adventurism that is economically destructive, diplomatically reckless, and dangerously misaligned with South Africa’s national interest.”
The DA spokesperson criticised what he described as a pattern of “alienating key democratic allies” while “embracing authoritarian regimes under sanctions,” arguing this approach is “steadily eroding trade, investment, and security partnerships essential to our country’s stability and prosperity.”
Legal implications
Under the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act, the DA argues that Maphwanya’s conduct constitutes a military offence punishable by dismissal or cashiering.
The party has indicated it will formally demand that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga instruct the Adjutant General to initiate court-martial proceedings without delay.
Hattingh criticised Motshekga’s “deafening silence” on the matter, describing it as “a failure of leadership and an alarming unwillingness to enforce military discipline at the highest level.”
The Presidency has not yet issued a response as to Maphwanya’s trip to Iran.
