SANDF chief blasted for Iran trip comments

South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has distanced itself from comments made by the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, in Iran on Tuesday.

The country’s Department of Defence has taken a similar stance to Maphwanya’s comments.

This comes after Iranian media reported that Maphwanya had met with Iran’s Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami, where the South African called for deeper cooperation between the two countries – especially in defence.

“We always stand alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world,” Maphwanya said.

He condemned Israel and called for deeper military ties with Iran, emphasising his visit carried a “political message.”

Maphwanya also met with Iran’s Minister of Defence, Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh, where the two discussed the “longstanding friendly relations” between the two countries and resistance against oppression and colonialism.

However, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola’s spokesperson, has since issued a statement noting that Maphwanya’s remarks do not represent the country’s foreign policy stance.

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

“Consequently, 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.”

Similarly, the Department of Defence took a similar stance in a statement on Wednesday evening, stating that dealing with matters of foreign affairs is the responsibility of the President and DIRCO.

It added that the Department and Military Veterans do not make political or policy decisions on international relations.

“It is unfortunate that political and policy statements were reportedly made during the meeting between General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the SANDF and the Iranian Defence Force leadership,” said Defence Ministry spokesperson Onicca Kwakwa.

“The Department of Defence reiterates that only the President and Dirco determine South Africa’s national policy on international relations.”

Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament (MP) Chris Hattingh condemned Maphwanya’s remarks in Tehran, warning that it could risk the country’s geopolitical relationships.

“This is not the role of a military chief. Foreign policy is the domain of the elected Government of National Unity and must be conducted through the DIRCO, not by an unelected general freelancing on the world stage,” he said.

“This reckless grandstanding comes at a time when South Africa’s relations with key democratic partners, especially the United States, are already under severe strain.”

Fragile ties

The United States recently imposed a 30% blanket tariff on South Africa, the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the deteriorating relationship between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump.

Recently, a US Congressman introduced a bill targeting its alliances with Iran and other US foes, called for a full review of US-South Africa relations, and sought to identify ANC leaders for the imposition of sanctions.

The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner. In 2024, total bilateral goods trade between the nations sat at R375 billion. 

For over two decades, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has provided duty-free access for South African products in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and auto manufacturing.

These tariffs are widely viewed as a death knell for Agoa, even though the programme is only due for review in September.

The US president has also repeatedly accused South Africa of enacting “bad policies” and has even suspended aid over claims of alleged discrimination against the Afrikaner minority, allegations the South African government strongly denies.

“With the signing of the Expropriation Bill… South Africa took a substantially worrying step towards land expropriation of Afrikaners and further abuses against racial minorities in the country,” the US recently wrote in a State Department report.

“Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: arbitrary or unlawful killings; arbitrary arrest or detention; and the repression of racial minorities.”

On February 8, 2025, US diplomatic spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced that the United States was prepared to accept “persecuted South African farmers” as refugees.

In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected claims that his government intended to “confiscate land,” while legal experts said the new land law simply clarifies the framework for expropriations.

In May, Ramaphosa held talks with Trump in an effort to mend ties, but the overture failed. Trump has since suggested he may skip the G20 summit in Johannesburg later this year.