South Africa’s political leadership is grappling with controversy following army chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s recent trip to Iran, where he reportedly offered military and political backing to Tehran and voiced solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The visit, described by the defence department as “unfortunate,” has drawn condemnation from members of the governing coalition and sparked calls from the Democratic Alliance for the general to be court-martialled. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he had not sanctioned the trip, labelled it “ill-advised” and confirmed he would hold talks with Maphwanya over remarks that critics say went beyond military cooperation into foreign policy.

During meetings in Tehran, Gen Maphwanya was quoted by Iranian media as saying that South Africa and Iran share common goals and “stand alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.” He also criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and asserted that his visit carried a political message from Ramaphosa’s administration. However, South Africa’s foreign ministry stressed that the statements did not reflect the country’s official foreign policy. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told reporters the president was unaware of the trip in advance and expected greater caution from the general in his public comments.

The fallout comes at a time of heightened diplomatic sensitivity with Washington, which has long objected to South Africa’s warm ties with Tehran. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump cited the country’s relationship with Iran as a reason for cutting aid, accusing Pretoria of “reinvigorating” relations with a US adversary. South Africa’s cooperation with Iran dates back to 1995, when the two nations formed a joint commission of cooperation. The current dispute risks adding further strain to bilateral relations with the US while reigniting debate over the military’s role in foreign affairs.