South Africa’s top army officer, General Rudzani Maphwanya, is facing growing criticism after comments he allegedly made during an official visit to Iran sparked political controversy at home and strained ties with the United States.
According to Iranian state media, Maphwanya said South Africa and Iran share “common goals” and that both nations “stand alongside oppressed people.”
He also condemned Israel for “bombing civilians in the West Bank” and expressed solidarity with Iran during a meeting with Iran’s army chief, Major-General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, in Tehran earlier this week.
Iranian officials welcomed his remarks, praising South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and calling it consistent with Iran’s policies.
The remarks come at a sensitive time for South Africa. The country is struggling to repair its diplomatic and trade relations with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African exports last week. These tariffs threaten thousands of jobs in industries such as manufacturing and agriculture.
The US and South Africa have been at odds over Pretoria’s stance on the Gaza war and its close ties with Iran and Russia. Analysts say Maphwanya’s statements could worsen tensions and derail efforts by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government to negotiate tariff relief.
The South African presidency said it was not aware of the Iran visit beforehand and admitted the timing was “ill-advised.” Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that the general “should have been more careful with his words” given the delicate diplomatic situation.
Both the Ministry of International Relations and the Defence Ministry distanced themselves from the comments, saying the statements do not reflect official government policy. Defence Minister Matsie Angelina Motshekga said she will summon Maphwanya for a briefing.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), part of the coalition government, has called for the army chief to face a military court for “gross misconduct and breach of the SANDF Code of Conduct.” The DA argues that Maphwanya violated the principle of political neutrality by pledging strategic alignment with Iran.
Security analysts warn that Maphwanya’s comments could lead to disciplinary action or even resignation.
South Africa has faced growing pressure from Washington since it filed a genocide case against Israel earlier this year. Trump has accused South Africa of siding with Iran and Russia, while also making unfounded claims of “white persecution” in the country.
In May, Ramaphosa visited the White House in a bid to ease tensions, offering trade concessions and investment pledges—but the tariff war still escalated.
General Maphwanya has not yet commented publicly on the matter. President Ramaphosa is expected to meet him in the coming weeks to decide on possible action.
