PRETORIA – The South African government has distanced itself from comments made by the head of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, during an official visit to Iran this week.
Maphwanya met Iranian Defence Minister Major General Amir Hatami in Tehran to discuss defence and strategic cooperation. Iranian media reported that both sides voiced opposition to “global arrogance” and “colonial approaches,” with Maphwanya also expressing solidarity with oppressed communities and referencing South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. He described the visit as the “best possible time” to convey South Africa’s sentiments to the Iranian people.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued a statement clarifying that foreign policy is the responsibility of the Presidency, supported by DIRCO, and that remarks from other individuals or departments should not be taken as official policy. Minister Ronald Lamola said he would seek further details on the matter.
The visit comes as relations between Pretoria and Washington remain strained under US President Donald Trump, marked by disputes over Israel, allegations of discrimination against South Africa’s white minority, and a 30% tariff on South African exports. The US recently released a human rights report claiming conditions in South Africa worsened in 2024 — a claim the government rejects.
Domestically, the Democratic Alliance condemned Maphwanya’s remarks, accusing him of engaging in political diplomacy beyond his constitutional mandate and warning of potential damage to relations with Western partners.
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