Defence Department Explains SANDF Chief’s Iran Visit Amid Public Curiosity

Military diplomacy or quiet controversy?

The South African Department of Defence has moved to clarify the much-discussed visit of General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), to Iran. What was initially billed as a 2024 trip eventually took place in 2025, following Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise’s formal approval.

The Department confirmed that General Maphwanya’s trip was made at the invitation of Iranian military officials, with the aim of strengthening bilateral military ties. During his time in Tehran, he held closed-door discussions with senior Iranian commanders, including Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Why the secrecy?

What has sparked public intrigue is not so much the visit itself, but the silence around it. The Defence Department acknowledged the “keen interest” from South Africans in the outcomes of the talks, but stressed that General Maphwanya deliberately avoided media engagements both in Iran and at home. The rationale, officials said, was to respect the confidentiality of military-to-military discussions.

After returning, General Maphwanya presented a detailed report to Minister Modise, who reportedly expressed satisfaction with the outcomes. Beyond that, the Department has declined to share further details.

Context: why Iran, why now?

South Africa’s diplomatic relations with Iran stretch back decades, rooted in solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle. In recent years, however, global tensions surrounding Iran, especially its strained relations with the Westhave made any diplomatic or military engagement more politically sensitive. For some observers, the SANDF chief’s visit signals Pretoria’s intent to maintain independent foreign relations, even in an increasingly divided global landscape.

Public reaction: mixed views at home

Reaction on social media has been split. Some commentators have praised South Africa for pursuing “non-aligned” diplomacy, engaging broadly without being swayed by Western pressure. Others, however, questioned the timing of the visit, noting that Iran remains under heavy international scrutiny for its military and nuclear programmes.

For now, the Department of Defence seems intent on keeping the details under wraps, a decision that may frustrate those demanding transparency but reflects the delicate balance of military diplomacy.

What’s clear is that South Africa continues to carve its own path in international relations, sometimes quietly, sometimes controversially. Whether General Maphwanya’s Iran trip will strengthen the SANDF’s strategic positioning or draw criticism from global partners remains to be seen.

{Source: IOL}

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