DA slams Ramaphosa for clearing SANDF chief over Iran visit

By Palesa Nguqu 

The DA has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to clear South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, after what it described as his “irresponsible political visit” to Iran three weeks ago.

The party said Ramaphosa’s stance “diminishes the credibility of government.”

Maphwanya was in Tehran, where he pledged “common goals” with Iran, endorsed its position on the Middle East, and suggested stronger strategic ties.

The DA argued that this crossed into the domain of civilian government actors and amounted to an act of disobedience toward the commander-in-chief.

DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, said that SANDF members are required to remain apolitical at all times.

“Yet in this instance, the country’s most senior military official neglected neutrality and ventured into the domain of foreign policy,” he said.

“This prerogative rests with the President and the Ministry of International Relations,” Hattingh added.