By Anita Dangazele
- General Rudzani Maphwanya publicly supported Iran and wanted stronger military ties during his visit.
- The presidency and foreign affairs quickly distanced themselves but he has now been cleared of wrongdoing.
The head of South Africa’s military General Rudzani Maphwanya is keeping his job after a controversial trip to Iran nearly cost him his career.
Maphwanya met quietly with President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. The government won’t say what they discussed, but the issue is now “resolved”.
Maphwanya got into trouble last month during his Iran visit. Iran’s state media quoted him saying South Africa supported Iran and wanted stronger military ties.
His comments shocked the presidency and the foreign affairs department. They quickly said these weren’t South Africa’s views.
But Maphwanya didn’t back down during the visit. He stood by what he said.
Now Rapport says he’s been cleared of doing anything wrong.
Democratic Alliance MP Chris Hattingh says taxpayers are paying twice. “First for a military that can’t do its job, and then for cleaning up after these disasters,” he said.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga defended Maphwanya. She said she approved the trip and his words were misunderstood.
The Defence Department now wants to delay a joint navy exercise with Russia and China planned for November. This comes after the presidency raised concerns because South Africa will host the G20 summit at the same time.
A similar exercise in February 2023 angered the US government. It happened exactly one year after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Pictured above: General Rudzani Maphwanya.
Image source: Democratic Alliance
