Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an urgent debate in Parliament after both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga failed to act against the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, for his unauthorised political diplomacy in Iran.
Despite the President confirming that the visit was not sanctioned by his office, no disciplinary or legal action has been taken. Instead, Minister Motshekga exonerated the General and declared herself “satisfied” with his version of events. In the absence of accountability from the Executive, the DA will now bring this matter to a full sitting of the House.
During his visit to Tehran, General Maphwanya made a series of political pronouncements, pledging “common goals” with Iran, endorsing its stance on the Middle East, and promising deeper strategic ties. These are not statements a soldier has the authority to make. South Africa’s foreign policy is the sole prerogative of the Government of National Unity, assisted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) – not the SANDF.
Both DIRCO and the Presidency have distanced themselves from Maphwanya’s remarks, with DIRCO explicitly warning that no other arm of government may set foreign policy. Yet, by shielding the General, Motshekga has undermined the constitutional principle of civilian oversight of the military.
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 time of heightened global tensions, this reckless conduct threatens to erode South Africa’s standing among democratic allies and embolden ties with authoritarian regimes.
The DA has therefore requested, in terms of Rule 130 of the Rules of the National Assembly, that the Speaker schedule an urgent debate on this matter of national public importance.
Parliament must now hold the Executive to account and defend the constitutional principle that generals cannot dictate foreign policy while Ministers look the other way.
Regards
Chris Hattingh MP
DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans
