US Edition
SA Caught in East-West Tug-of-War After Military Chief’s Iran Visit
General Rudzani Maphwanya’s Tehran visit sparked calls for court-martial amid concerns it undermines South Africa’s diplomatic ties with the United States, the Democratic Alliance said.
- This week, South African National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya visited Tehran, where he met with Iranian Major General Amir Hatami to explore enhancing defense collaboration and deepening strategic relations between the two countries.
- The visit took place during a period of intensified Middle East tensions and at a time when South Africa was carefully working to rebuild and improve its diplomatic ties with the United States, a move that President Cyril Ramaphosa was unaware of and did not approve.
- Government representatives, including presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, clarified that Maphwanya’s political comments were inappropriate for a serving military officer, as they conflict with the SANDF’s required political impartiality and undermine the constitutional framework mandating civilian oversight of the armed forces.
- Democratic Alliance defense spokesperson Chris Hattingh called for Maphwanya to be court-martialed, accusing him of serious misconduct, undermining military impartiality, engaging in unauthorized political actions, and violating the SANDF’s code of conduct.
- Maphwanya is expected to meet with Defense Minister Angie Motshekga soon to provide explanations, while the incident raises concerns about South Africa’s international standing amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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South Africa Distances Itself From Army Chief’s Pledges of Military, Political Support to Iran
Iranian Major General Amir Hatami and South African General Rudzani Maphwanya meet in Tehran to discuss strengthening military cooperation and strategic ties. Photo: Screenshot South Africa’s army chief has faced domestic backlash after pledging military and political support to Iran during a recent visit, prompting government officials to distance themselves from his remarks over concerns they could harm Pretoria’s efforts to strengthen ties wi…
·New York, United States
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South Africa: President Ramaphosa to Meet SANDF Chief Over 'Ill-Advised' Visit to Iran
SANDF chief Rudzani Maphwanya's expression of solidarity with Iran was 'unhelpful' to SA's efforts to reset relations with the US, says President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
·South Africa
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Right
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
43% Right
L 29%
C 29%
R 43%
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