Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has confirmed that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya will not face disciplinary measures following remarks he made during a visit to Iran.
Motshekga also extended the same position to Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, who wrote an opinion piece defending Maphwanya’s trip, stressing that it was published in his personal capacity.
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Maphwanya drew criticism last month after pledging “common goals” with Iran and stating his visit carried “a political message.” His comments prompted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to distance itself from the statements, while the Presidency labelled the visit “ill advised.”
Motshekga Defends Approval of Tehran Trip
During a parliamentary question-and-answer session, Motshekga clarified that she had personally authorised Maphwanya’s trip.
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“The Chief of Defense Force, as much as he is an appointee of the president, he reports directly to the minister and I approve his trips,” she said.
According to Motshekga, the visit had been delayed twice before finally taking place. She stressed that all necessary permissions were followed, just as in any other department where ministers authorise travel for heads of departments.
When asked by DA MP Chris Hattingh whether Maphwanya’s comments violated the Defence Act or Military Disciplinary Code, Motshekga responded: “There is no evidence that the Chief of Defense Force contravened the provisions of the above Act.”
Timing of Iran Speech Questioned
Motshekga confirmed she had reviewed a copy of Maphwanya’s Iran speech. She argued that the content itself was not problematic but rather its timing and location amid geopolitical tensions.
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“I can confirm that that speech, even if it was said in France, it will not have created problems. It created problems because it was in Iran, at the wrong time because of these geopolitical conflicts,” she said.
On Tshabalala’s article, the minister said: “Reading Admiral Tshabalala’s opinion, there was also no legal or even policy contradiction of what he had said even in his personal capacity.”
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While Hattingh criticised Motshekga’s response as predictable, she maintained that the SANDF chief’s role includes articulating defence policy abroad. She added that Dirco was informed of the visit through its defence attachés, who assist with logistics and provide relevant diplomatic information.
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