The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s recent visit to Iran, where he reportedly pledged military and political support for the country, could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US.

This according to international relations expert, Dr Noluthando Phungula, who said South Africa’s ties with Iran have been a bone of contention with the US. 

Maphwanya, who travelled to Iran on Tuesday, held meetings with several high-ranking military officials, including Major General Aziz Nasizadeh, Iran’s defence minister, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and General Amir Hatami, the Iranian commander.

The trip was aimed at strengthening military cooperation.

According to Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, Maphwanya said that the two countries had common goals, and always stood alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.

He also took aim at Israel over the continued war in Gaza as he reiterated support for the Palestinian people and told officials his visit “carries a political message” from Ramaphosa’s administration.

The meeting in Iran came amid tensions between South Africa and the US after months of worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

This situation is further complicated by the US having implemented a 30% tariff on South African goods, citing concerns about unfair trade practices.

In June, tensions escalated between the US and Iran after the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites at Israel’s request.

Both ministries of International Relations and Cooperation and of Defence have since dissociated the government from Maphwanya’s remarks.

“The South African government has distanced itself from the General’s comments citing no knowledge of the visit yet he would have required ministerial approval. While the visit may have been mainly on military relations, it however extends to foreign policy.

“This speaks to loopholes in SA’s international relations and protocol particularly from senior personnel such as the General,’’ said Phungula, adding that the timing of this visit and the utterances made set back efforts to mend relations with the US, particularly since there is much misinformation on the side of the US. 

The sentiments were echoed by Solidarity, which called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Maphwanya, warning that the visit places South Africa’s relationship with the US at serious risk and threatens the country’s broader international credibility and trade interests.

“It is unacceptable that South Africa, at a time when our economy urgently needs access to international markets, chooses to strengthen ties with countries such as Iran, which is internationally isolated due to its policies and actions,” said Jaco Kleynhans, head of international liaison. 

The DA demanded the immediate court-martial of Maphwanya for misconduct and breach of the defence force Code of Conduct, said this ‘forms part of a wider pattern of foreign policy adventurism that is economically destructive, diplomatically reckless, and dangerously misaligned with South Africa’s national interest’.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said he was not aware of Maphwanya’s visit to Iran, adding that he would meet him soon to discuss the trip and the consequences for the General.

However, the South African Communist Party (SACP) have slammed those opposing Maphwanya’s visit, saying it was part of South Africa’s long-standing bilateral relations with Iran. 

“The SACP rejects the impending acts of isolation and scapegoating of General Maphwanya to appease Western imperialist forces and their domestic agents, compromising South Africa’s sovereign right to formulate and implement its own foreign policy, including on defence co-operation.

“Any actions by the government towards General Maphwanya as Military Chief must be based on strengthening our military institutions and their capabilities, improving our defence co-operation agreements with other states to which we have full sovereign rights.

“The SACP rejects any attempt at dictating which nations South Africa may have bilateral relations with, including defence, trade and investment,” the party said in a statement.

manyane.manyane@inl.co.za

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