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.
He further noted that Maphwanya’s comments violated the military code, which requires all SANDF members to refrain from political statements and maintain strict neutrality.
“The General’s comments drew condemnation from both the Minister of International Relations and the Office of the President at the time ,while also triggering interest from democratic allies.”
The DA further stated that, as commander-in-chief of the SANDF, Ramaphosa had several options at his disposal to hold Maphwanya accountable.
These included issuing a letter of reprimand, relieving him of command, denying him future promotions, or forcing him into retirement.
Instead, the party said, the President chose to let the general “off the hook” for grossly overstepping his command and encroaching on the roles of elected government officials.
The DA added that Ramaphosa appeared more concerned with expediency and “sweeping this under the carpet” than with ensuring accountability.
Hattingh added: “This failure of consequence management has left South Africans without clarity on foreign policy while damaging the country’s international credibility and national security. At a heightened time of global tensions, this reckless conduct threatens to erode South Africa’s standing among democratic allies and embolden ties with authoritarian regimes. This decision has set a dangerous precedent in a country that relies on the professionalism and impartiality of its military to uphold democracy. It is a serious stain of illegitimacy on the President of the Republic.”
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa told Parliament on Tuesday that South Africa does not have military relations with Iran.
He explained that Maphwanya visited Iran on a pre-determined trip planned almost two years ago.
“We are, together, members of BRICS. In dealing with Iran, we engage with them as a sovereign nation facing challenges, just as we face our own. The General went to Iran on a predetermined visit. I had a long discussion with him, and we both agreed that the timing could have been managed differently,” said Ramaphosa.
“This, in itself, demonstrated — as he also conceded — that the timing could have been better. What he said in Iran was merely an expression of relations and has no impact on our relations with other countries. We deeply respect other nations and our partners around the world.”
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