Defence Minister Orders Probe Into Iran’s Participation in Naval Drills, South Africans React
- The SANDF launched a probe to investigate Iran’s unexpected participation in False Bay naval exercises
- The US criticised South Africa for allowing Iranian warships into local waters amid ongoing tensions
- South Africans reacted online, debating the political fallout and potential impact on international relations
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE - Angie Motshekga has appointed a board of inquiry to establish whether the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) ignored a direct order from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The inquiry relates to the recent Will for Peace naval exercises in False Bay. The exercises were hosted by South Africa, but involved navies from Russia, China, Iran and others.
With the United States of America unhappy with Iran's participation, in particular, given the tensions between the two nations, the SANDF was ordered not to allow Iran to participate.
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Despite the order, Iranian warships were still seen heading out with the other ships as the exercises got underway.
Motshekga initiates probe into matter
With Iran's continued participation causing controversy and drawing international attention to South Africa, the minister has initiated a probe into the matter.
The Ministry of Defence released a statement to say that the president's instructions were clearly communicated to all parties concerned and agreed upon to be implemented.
There will now be a probe into why this didn't happen.
“Due to the seriousness of these allegations and reports in the media, the minister has established a board of inquiry to look into the circumstances surrounding the allegations and establish whether the instruction of the president may have been misrepresented and/or ignored as issued to all," the statement continued.
Source: Twitter
United States embassy blasts South Africa
The incident has sparked controversy and also drawn condemnation from the US Embassy in South Africa.
The embassy slammed Pretoria for supporting Iran, as the country remains in the headlines for its crackdown on anti-government protesters. The embassy expressed concern that the SANDF decided on a government order regarding Iran’s participation.
“South Africa can’t lecture the world on ‘justice’ while cosying up to Iran," the embassy said.
South Africans react to Motshekga's decision
Social media users weighed in on Motshekga's decision to initiate a probe into the incident, sharing mixed reactions to it.
Steve Kistasamy asked:
"Do you need a whole board of inquiry to determine if there was wrongdoing?"
Phaldie Pietersen humourously suggested:
"She did not know about the Naval exercise. She thought they all were paying us a visit."
Gerhardt Breytenbach questioned:
"I always thought any military operation is done by a chain of command. Why does the minister need an inquiry to simply follow the chain?"
Vernon Pretorius stated:
"The drill that defied the president."
SeeDee van Reenen said:
"We have seen this movie before. Nobody takes responsibility. Case closed."
Raj Devnarain added:
"Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted."
Vikings Valhalla said:
"It's a little late now to look if you read your instructions correctly."
South Africa justifies joint naval drills
In a related article, South Africa justified its naval drills with Russia, China, and Iran to focus on maritime cooperation and safety.
The exercises aimed to enhance collective responses against piracy and protect vital shipping lanes.
Briefly News reported that the drills have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.
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Source: Briefly News
