Citizens for Integrity: Dismiss SANDF General Maphwayna, Minister Motshekga over Iran trip scandal

Key topics:

• SANDF chief Maphwanya condemned for unauthorised Iran visit.

• Minister Motshekga implicated for approving trip without President.

• Citizens for Integrity demand dismissals and full trip disclosure.

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Issued by Citizens for Integrity*

Friday, 15 August 2025: The unauthorised diplomatic conduct of the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, during his recent visit to Iran is strongly condemned by Citizens for Integrity. The body, which promotes democracy under law, holds the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, equally responsible for her role in approving the trip.

Despite rising global tensions and already strained relations between Pretoria and Washington, General Maphwanya made political statements in Tehran without the knowledge or approval of the President or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) — a serious breach of constitutional and diplomatic protocol.

The United States lists Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. According to Mark Hyman, founder and CEO of Citizens for Integrity, “Any suggestion of military cooperation with such a government poses a direct risk to South Africa’s diplomatic relations, trade interests, and reputation as a neutral actor committed to peace and multilateralism. A military chief engaging in unofficial foreign policy discussions with a government of this nature is irresponsible and reckless.”

General Maphwanya has acted outside of his constitutional responsibilities, as foreign policy does not fall within the mandate of the SANDF. That responsibility lies solely with the President, supported by DIRCO. Maphwanya’s actions amount to a clear defiance of proper foreign policy channels and the authority of the Commander-in-Chief.

Hyman adds, “When public officials or political leaders have acted in defiance of South Africa’s foreign policy in the past, the response has been swift and decisive. When Democratic Alliance Minister Andrew Whitfield undertook an unauthorised visit to the United States, he was removed from his post. There was no debate — only action.

“Why, then, should the standard be any different for General Maphwanya and Minister Motshekga? Constitutional accountability must apply equally, regardless of political affiliation or institutional rank. Anything less sets a dangerous precedent.”

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While the Presidency confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not know of and did not approve the Iran trip, it has emerged that Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga sanctioned it. Her failure to escalate the matter to the President or to block the trip directly implicates her in this breach. Hyman believes that this represents a serious lapse in judgment and leadership, and Motshekga must be held accountable.

Citizens for Integrity calls on President Ramaphosa to:

• Immediately dismiss General Rudzani Maphwanya from his position for overstepping his constitutional role and engaging in unauthorised foreign affairs.

• Dismiss Minister Angie Motshekga for enabling the visit without the President’s knowledge or authorisation.

• Release a full report detailing the nature of Maphwanya’s discussions in Iran, including the purpose of the visit, who he met with, and what was said.

• Implement strict protocols to prevent any further foreign engagements by military officials without presidential and DIRCO clearance.

Hyman concludes, “South Africa is a constitutional democracy.  We cannot allow senior officials to undermine foreign policy, strain international partnerships, and compromise our national credibility without consequences.”

*About Citizens for Integrity: This non-profit seeks to promote democracy under law, advance the understanding and respect for the rule of law and the principle of legality, as well as sound corporate governance and the active realisation of the ideals of the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. CFI is a non-profit company registered and incorporated in terms of sections 13 and 14 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. Directors are Mark Hyman, Advocate Willie Hofmeyr and Koogan Pillay.