South Africa's army chief under fire for aligning with Iran

South African Army Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya is under intense scrutiny at home after alleged statements he made during an official visit to Iran sparked controversy, potentially straining relations between South Africa and the United States.

Analysts cited by Al Jazeera argue that Maphwanya’s comments, reportedly suggesting that Iran and South Africa share common military goals, could complicate Pretoria’s ongoing efforts to repair ties with the US, particularly at a time of heightened trade tensions.

Last week, a 30 per cent tariff on South African goods entering the United States came into effect, alarming business owners and highlighting the urgency of maintaining positive relations with Washington. President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken steps to smooth relations, including leading a delegation to the White House in May, but Maphwanya’s alleged remarks threaten to undermine these diplomatic efforts.

During his visit to Tehran on August 12, Maphwanya reportedly met with Iranian Major-General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi. According to reporting by Iranian media outlets cited in the article, Maphwanya praised the historical support Iran provided during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, calling it the basis for a “lasting bond between the two nations.”

He further stated, “The Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran have common goals. We always stand alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.”

The general also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, referring to the “bombing of civilians standing in line for food” and “ongoing aggression in the occupied West Bank.”

Mousavi, in turn, praised South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, asserting that it aligned with Iran’s policies, and condemned US and Israeli military and economic measures against Iran as “violations of international laws and norms.” He added that Iran’s army would deliver “a more decisive response in the event of renewed aggression.”

Trouble back home

The South African government has moved quickly to distance itself from Maphwanya’s statements. The presidency clarified that Ramaphosa was unaware of the visit, though such trips typically fall under the Ministry of Defence’s approval.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya called the timing “ill-advised” and stressed that Maphwanya should have exercised greater caution in his public statements. Magwenya emphasised that South Africa is “in the delicate process of resetting political relations with the US” while also trying to maintain a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Both the Ministry of International Relations and the Defence Ministry issued statements dissociating the government from Maphwanya’s alleged remarks. Defence Minister Matsie Angelina Motshekga will reportedly engage with the general upon his return to address the issue. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for Maphwanya to face a military court for “gross misconduct and a flagrant breach of the SANDF Code of Conduct.”

By Nazrin Sadigova