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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The implications of General Maphwanya's Iran visit on South Africa's foreign policy
An international relations expert warns that the SA National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers 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. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 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.
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Minister's coup claim raises more questions than answers
Minister Ntshavheni's vague coup warning feels more like a distraction than a credible threat to South Africa's democracy. There are many questions which can be asked about the claims this week by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni – who is also responsible for State Security – that state security agencies had identified 'a potential risk of a coup d'état and put measures in place to prevent it'. Naturally, as she did previously on questions about her foreign travel expenditure, Ntshavheni can argue that she cannot release details of the alleged plotting for 'national security' reasons. That is quite convenient, given that the only piece of news recently which is potentially disruptive to the security of the state is the theatrical press conference given by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused police management and other law enforcement agencies of corruption, as well as pointing at politicians. It was theatrical because it looked similar to many of those we have seen by African military strongmen announcing the ouster of a civilian government. So, was the coup claim intended to imply that the country was under threat by the likes of Mkhwanazi – or was it intended to divert some of the attention away from his claims? ALSO READ: 'Where's the proof?': Calls for Ntshavheni to answer for coup claims Experts we spoke to agreed that the likelihood of a military coup is not high – mainly because there is still some discipline in the SA National Defence Force. However, they all agreed that civil unrest, possibly even rising to the level of an insurrection, as happened in the pro-Jacob Zuma protests which rocked the country in 2021, is a far more worrying scenario. South Africa is sitting on a social time bomb, which has been armed by increasing anger about poverty, inequality and joblessness, as well as the lack of service delivery and the increasingly apparent involvement of politicians and civil servants in rampant corruption. That's the threat the minister should be addressing.
Eyewitness News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Motshekga says SANDF capable of protecting country despite compromised air force
CAPE TOWN - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has admitted that the country's air force is not at an acceptable standard and has been 'bleeding' aircraft. But she's assured Parliament that this doesn't mean South Africans are 'sitting ducks', telling members that the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) is more than capable of defending the country from any threat whether in the skies or on land. Motshekga was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday as part of the peace and security cluster. She says a lack of funding is at the centre of the SANDF's challenges, but they are engaging the National Treasury and the Presidency. Motshekga says this has had a negative impact on the air force, which has several aircraft out of commission. 'We also have a number of planes that have gone for servicing. So, we are struggling with the air force, we are bleeding. However, Motshekga is confident the country can still defend itself against any attack. 'But it doesn't mean that nothing is happening and, therefore, we are sitting ducks as a country, and anybody can walk all over us. No, we are confident that as a defence force, we will be able to protect our people and protect our country. Motshekga says there is progress to address the decline in the defence force, but a lot will depend on future funding.
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mission impossible for broke SANDF
The SANDF is too underfunded to operate helicopters or protect borders, leaving citizens dangerously exposed. As a former military man, Bantu Holomisa must feel intensely frustrated in his current position as deputy minister of defence as he presides over the slow-motion collapse of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). His boss, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, seems to think our military is still capable of defending the country. But against what, she does not say. If she is thinking we would be safe from attack from countries around us, then perhaps we might be able to see off Swaziland and Namibia… but Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia would be a different proposition, because all boast better equipped defence forces than we have. Holomisa says there is a lack of support from parliament, Cabinet and National Treasury in ensuring the SANDF gets adequate funding. The bottom line is that anyone who knows anything about military matters is in agreement: either the SANDF gets the money it needs for maintenance and upgrades, or its mission will have to be redefined. ALSO READ: 'We're bleeding but not finished': Motshekga defends struggling air force That our borders and coastline cannot be defended or protected at present is beyond question. But what has been emerging in recent months is the fact that, when the SANDF is required for its major role of 'support to the civil power' in emergency situations, for example… it cannot cope. In the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, the SA Air Force was unable to deploy rescue helicopters because, as news reports said, it did not have sufficient budget to pay flight engineers their flying allowance. There is no real airlift capacity to speak of, either, so troops and equipment have had to be transported to and from deployments in Africa by chartered aircraft. Worryingly, even if money is found now, it will take years to rectify the damage and acquire new systems, never mind maintenance to keep current assets operational. South Africans are, effectively, sitting ducks. NOW READ: Ten more SANDF members arrested in Hawks officer murder case
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Second group of SANDF troops return home
Here's your daily news update for Sunday, 15 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes 257 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members have arrived in South Africa on Sunday, with another group expected on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, as the death toll in the Eastern Cape rises to at least 88 people, officials have reportedly confirmed that some of the areas hardest hit by flooding this week were occupied illegally. Furthermore, despite being on the other side of the world, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could soon see you paying more at the petrol pumps in South Africa. WATCH: Second group of SANDF troops return to SA, more to arrive on Monday Picture for illustration: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach 257 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members have arrived in South Africa on Sunday, with another group expected on Monday afternoon. The troops were returning from a Southern African Development Community (Sadc) mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They were on the frontline of a conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebel fighters, which raged for three years in the East of that country until a ceasefire was called in April. CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Second group of SANDF troops return to SA, more to arrive on Monday Eastern Cape flood victims reportedly occupied land illegally A shack surrounded by water after heavy rains fell in Motherwell on 10 June 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile As the death toll in the Eastern Cape rises to at least 88 people, officials have reportedly confirmed that some of the areas hardest hit by flooding this week were occupied illegally. Rescuers claim that around 10 000 people have been displaced, and 3 000 homes damaged or destroyed. At least 1 500 have been relocated to temporary shelters in community halls and other structures. Thursday has been declared an official day of mourning. CONTINUE READING: Eastern Cape flood victims reportedly occupied land illegally Israel vs Iran: Why you may soon have to pay more for petrol in South Africa Petrol pumps are pictured at a filling station in Melville on 20 January 2021. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark Despite being on the other side of the world, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could soon see you paying more at the petrol pumps in South Africa. Israel unleashed a barrage of missiles in a 'preemptive strike' on Iran on Friday amid concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme. CONTINUE READING: Israel vs Iran: Why you may soon have to pay more for petrol in South Africa Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu call it quits after six years of marriage Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu. Picture: iStock Tough times in the marriage of two television personalities, Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu, seem to be lasting, as rumours say the two are heading for a divorce. The two tied the knot in 2019 and welcomed their first child in 2022. However, the ship has been sinking since October last year, when Hungani reportedly decided to move out of their matrimonial household. CONTINUE READING: Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu call it quits after six years of marriage Did you win R2.2m? Here's where the winning PowerBall ticket was bought Image for illustration purposes: iStock A Lotto PowerBall millionaire is on the loose, and it could be you! Lottery operator Ithuba Holdings on Sunday confirmed that the winner of the R2.2-million PowerBall jackpot on 12 November 2024 has still not come forward to collect their money. The winning player bought their ticket seven months ago in Mayfair, Johannesburg, Gauteng. They have less than five months to come forward, or they risk losing their fortune. CONTINUE READING: Did you win R2.2m? Here's where the winning PowerBall ticket was bought Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Eastern Cape floods death toll rises | How much Proteas will bank | Minister on unemployment statistics
