The Citizen Jan 17
Presidency confirms Ramaphosa’s instruction to Motshekhga that Iran exit naval drills
citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/presidency-confirms-ramaphosas-instruction-motshekhga-iran-exit-naval-drills/
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Ramaphosa Orders Iran Warships to Exit Naval DrillsIran was instructed to withdraw from week-long exercises in False Bay; a board of inquiry was launched to investigate compliance.
Key FactsJan 17, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: citizen.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: citizen.co.za
- President Ramaphosa directed Defence Minister Motshekga to ensure Iran’s withdrawal from the China-led naval drills in False Bay.
- The presence of three Iranian warships attracted significant international scrutiny, notably from the United States.
- The Defence Ministry confirmed the order was clearly conveyed and established a board of inquiry to examine any breaches.
- China managed invitations and led the exercises, while South Africa only permitted use of its territorial waters.
It is particularly 'unconscionable' that South Africa welcomed Iranian security forces as they were 'shooting, jailing and torturing' Iranian citizens engaging in peaceful political activity.— The US Embassy in South Africa criticized Pretoria for allowing Iranian warships into South African waters for naval exercises.
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military forces of the South African Government
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Key FactsSouth Africa’s Military Authority Faces Serious Challenge
Jan 18, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sundaytimes.timeslive.co.za
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- Iran’s involvement in the naval drill contravened President Ramaphosa’s directive to limit its role to observer status.
- Defence Minister Motshekga has commissioned a board of inquiry expected to deliver findings in about one week.
- South Africa’s ties with Iran threaten the renewal of US trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
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Key FactsRamaphosa Must Rein in Military Leadership Now
Jan 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
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- President Ramaphosa is constitutionally mandated to lead and appoint the military command in South Africa.
- Several military leaders defied his order to exclude Iranian forces from joint exercises on South African soil.
- He faces criticism for not immediately dismissing or suspending key defense officials involved in the breach.
- Lack of firm leadership could embolden rogue elements and threaten the country's political and constitutional order.
If Ramaphosa does not deal with the army chiefs now, he will regret it. We will regret it. This is a snake that will come back to bite us sooner rather than later.— Justice Malala, in his article about the necessity for President Ramaphosa to decisively act against military leadership.
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Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
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- Defense Minister Angie Motshekga initiated a board of inquiry into why President Ramaphosa’s directive to remove Iranian warships from a joint exercise was not followed.
- The president's order was motivated by diplomatic concerns with the US and Iran's harsh crackdown on protests.
- Despite the directive, Iranian vessels remained active in the naval exercise, raising questions about military obedience and civilian control.
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It is particularly unconscionable that South Africa welcomed Iranian security forces as they were shooting, jailing and torturing Iranian citizens engaging in peaceful political activity South Africans fought so hard to gain for themselves.— The US embassy in Pretoria expressed concern and alarm about reports that Motshekga and the SANDF had defied Ramaphosa’s orders that Iran should not participate in the drill.
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Jan 15, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
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- Iranian warships participated in the Will for Peace 2026 maritime exercise off Simon’s Town despite orders to withdraw.
- Defense Minister Motshekga may have defied President Ramaphosa’s directive regarding Iran’s role in the exercise.
- SANDF Chief Maphwanya’s visit to Iran and support for officers facing legal charges highlight weak civilian oversight.
- These developments risk undermining public trust in democratic governance and could threaten South Africa’s political stability.
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Jan 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
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- Iran chose not to participate in the joint naval exercise Will for Peace 2026 despite deploying three warships to False Bay.
- The BRICS+ exercise, involving ten countries, sees limited engagement with mostly shore activities completed so far.
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- Officials confirmed the decision for Iran’s pullout preceded both the protests in Iran and the US congressional discussions on Agoa renewal.
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Aug 15, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
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- President Ramaphosa clarified that General Maphwanya’s Iran visit was not authorized by him or the presidency.
- During the trip, the general expressed support for Iran’s position on Gaza and called for closer strategic ties.
- Such statements exceeded the general’s constitutional role, as foreign policy is managed solely by the presidency and DIRCO.
- Government officials confirmed these remarks do not reflect South Africa’s official stance and emphasized coordinated diplomatic messaging.
It is crucial that the government speaks with one voice.— Vincent Magwenya expressed concern over the general's comments and the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Citizen Aug 17 25
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