DIRCO Slams General Rudzani Maphwanya’s Comments During Meeting With Iranian Military

• The government slammed the remarks made by the South African National Defence Force chief, Rudzani Maphwanya
• Maphwanya met with the military leadership of Iran and expressed solidarity with the Iranian army
• The Defence Ministry said that his remarks were unacceptable, and the Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, commented on his remarks

Tebogo Mokwena, affiliated with Briefly News, covered local and international relations, political analysis, and interviews in South Africa for Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News during his 10 years of experience.

PRETORIA — The Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Department of Defence have distanced themselves from remarks the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, made during his visit to Iran on 12 August 2025.

According to Daily Maverick, the Defence said that only President Cyril Ramaphosa and DIRCO can determine the country's national policy on international relations. The Defence Ministry's spokesperson, Onicca Kwakwa, said that the department does not make policy decisions and slammed the remarks. Kwakwa said that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga will speak with Maphwanya when he returns.

DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said that Minister Ronald Lamola would be seeking clarification on Maphwanya's statements.

What did Maphwanya say?

Maphwanya met with Iran's Minister of Defence Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's Armed Forces' Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, and the Iranian Army's commander General Amir Hatami. During the meeting, Maphwanya said that the two countries were united by anti-arrogance, anti-colonial, and justice-seeking principles. He also condemned Israel's attack on Palestine nd said that the country stands with defenceless and oppressed people.

In March, Maphwanya was part of the delegation of military leaders from the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which met with M23 and DRC military leaders. This was to prepare for the SADC's withdrawal from the DRC.

Maphwanya also praised the troops when they returned to South Africa on 13 and 15 June from their DRC deployment. He said he would gladly be deployed with the members on another mission and was proud of their work in the DRC.

What did South Africans say?

South Africans commenting on Facebook weighed in on the Democratic Alliance condemning Maphwanya's remarks.

Raquel Minah Norton said:

"I really can't understand why South Africa has to insert itself in all these affairs of foreign countries."

Sicelo Dlamni said:

"May SA not experience war before the elections, because if war happens, Ramaphosa will be forced to remain in power."

Zakes Bhengu said:

"The DA should worry about why AfriForum went to the US to lie about South Africa."

Tshepo Samuel said:

"We stand with Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea."

Adrian M Taylor said:

"Iran wants the SANDF to help and defend them with its non-existent air force and non-existent army."

Angie Motshekhga says SANDF ready to defend country

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the military is capable of defending the country. She made the remarks while addressing the National Council of Provinces on 24 June.

Motshekga said that the air force is admittedly struggling as some planes have gone for servicing. She added that a lack of funding is one of the army's challenges.

Source: Briefly News