President Cyril Ramaphosa has distanced himself from SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s recent visit to Iran, saying he neither knew of nor authorised the trip, during which the general reportedly endorsed Iran’s position on Gaza and called for closer ties.

At a media briefing on Thursday afternoon, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the President did not sanction the visit and was concerned about Maphwanya’s reported comments made 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 get involved in supervising the general’s travel.”

Reports indicate that during his visit to Tehran, General Maphwanya pledged “common goals” with Iran, supported its Gaza position, and called for deeper strategic alignment—actions that allegedly exceeded his constitutional and professional mandate.

Magwenya said the comments were troubling.

“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.

“There is an expectation that the general should have been more circumspect with his comments, particularly those that touch on foreign policy — a domain strictly reserved for the President and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). This is not within the purview of the military or senior military officers.”

Magwenya noted that South Africa is currently undertaking a sensitive diplomatic effort to reset its relationship with the United States.

“We are in the process of managing a very delicate exercise of resetting political and diplomatic relations with the US, and more importantly, balancing the trade relationship in a manner that is mutually beneficial,” he said.

“It is not helpful when, during this process, senior government or military officials participate in visits and make statements that risk inflaming tensions. In managing the US relationship, we are also countering significant disinformation—from Washington and, sadly, from some quarters within our own country. It’s crucial that the government speaks with one voice.”

DIRCO has also distanced itself from the general’s visit.

Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, speaking on behalf of Minister Ronald Lamola, said the department had noted media reports regarding General Maphwanya’s comments.

“It is crucial to clarify that the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy is a function of The Presidency, supported by DIRCO,” said Phiri.

“Consequently, any statements made by an individual or department outside of those responsible for foreign policy should not be misinterpreted as the official position of the South African government. The remarks attributed to General Maphwanya do not represent the government’s official stance.”

Phiri added that Lamola would be seeking further clarification on the matter.

Meanwhile, Magwenya confirmed that General Maphwanya has returned to South Africa and is expected to meet with the President to discuss the issue.

He added that while SANDF is authorised to engage with foreign military counterparts under bilateral and multilateral frameworks — such as joint training, peacekeeping and disaster response—these engagements must remain strictly within military boundaries.

“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.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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