South Africa’s army chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has ignited a political storm after reportedly pledging military and political support to Iran during an official visit to Tehran. His remarks, which included criticism of Israel and expressions of solidarity with Palestinians, were condemned by members of the governing coalition as “reckless grandstanding.” President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he neither approved nor knew of the trip, called the comments “ill-advised” and will meet with the general. While Maphwanya claimed his visit carried a political message, the government quickly distanced itself, stating that Maphwanya’s comments do not represent Pretoria’s foreign policy stance. The controversy comes as Pretoria balances tense US ties, strained further by accusations over its relationship with Iran and its ICJ case against Israel.
BBC
