South Africa’s Army Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya has been criticised after he reportedly promising to extend military and political support to Iran.
The South African government’s Democratic Alliance demanded that General Maphwanya be put on trial by court martial.
While President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated he will meet with General Rudzani Maphwanya to discuss his misguided trip, members of South Africa’s ruling coalition have accused the general of making dangerous remarks.
The dispute arises as South Africa manages strained ties with the United States, which has objected to the nation’s connections with Iran, among other things.
It said his comments had gone beyond military-to-military discussions and entered the realm of foreign policy.
South Africa’s defence department called on the general’s remarks unfortunate while Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President did not authorize the trip.
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