EWN Jan 23
SA Navy drills: Aucamp to ensure environment not negatively impacted:
Russia, China, the UAE and Iran took part in the exercises despite the president ordering ...
ewn.co.za/2026/01/23/sa-navy-drills-aucamp-to-ensure-environment-not-negatively-impacted
Photo: ewn.co.za · view article
Environmental Review of South African Naval ExercisesEnvironmental assessments are underway after multinational drills possibly caused oil spills near Simon’s Town last week.
Key FactsJan 23, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
- Minister Willie Aucamp has called for environmental evaluations following naval exercises off Simon’s Town.
- Iran participated actively despite a presidential order limiting its role to observer status during the drills.
- An inquiry is investigating whether the president’s directive was breached and if oil contamination occurred.
- Aucamp pledged prompt action to address any environmental harm resulting from the recent naval activities.
I can promise you that there will be swift action if anything was done wrongly in that area.— Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Willie Aucamp spoke about the potential environmental impacts of the naval drills.
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naval warfare branch of the Republic of South Africa's armed forces
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Key FactsInvestigation Continues on Iran’s Naval Drill Role
Jan 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
- President Ramaphosa stated that the inquiry board is still collecting facts about Iran’s participation in the multinational naval exercise.
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- The United States criticized South Africa for permitting Iran’s role in the recent BRICS naval drill off Cape Town.
- Ramaphosa emphasized the need for careful examination before deciding on any consequences related to Iran’s involvement.
We did raise with China the issue of Iran and said that it would be best that they withdrew and not participate.— President Cyril Ramaphosa discussing the discussions with China regarding Iran's participation in the naval exercise.
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Key FactsDA Turmoil Grows Over State Resource Misuse Claims
Dec 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
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