The South African Communist Party(SACP) has hit back at critics of defence force chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, for his remarks during a recent visit in Iran.
Maphwanya was at the centre of a diplomatic storm last week, when Iranian media reported that he appeared to publicly co-sign South Africa to stronger political and military ties with Tehran.
It’s understood that he said that Iran’s military had significant capabilities that could be used in cooperation with the South African armed forces to serve mutual national interests and enhance regional and international security.
Rudzani Maphwanya
Despite mounting pressure to account for his comments, the SACP has come to out in defence of Maphwanya.
A few months ahead of his retirement, South African National Defence Force chief, Maphwanya, is now facing calls to step down over his comments.
The SACP has since come out batting for him in what the party labelled as anti-Iran hysteria and geopolitical hypocrisy.
In a statement released at the weekend, the SACP said that South Africa’s ties with Iran were not out of the ordinary.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) distanced itself from Maphwanya’s comments, saying they did not reflect South Africa’s foreign policy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa called Maphwanya’s comments ill-advised.
The SACP said thats government’s muddled response was concerning, accusing government of scapegoating the SANDF chief.
It said that giving into the whims of Iran’s foes to appease other countries sets a bad precedent.
In other news – Lynn Forbes opens up about emotional dreams of her late son AKA
Lynn Forbes has opened up about life after the loss of her son, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, more than two years after his tragic death. The award-winning rapper was shot and killed in Durban on 10 February 2023, leaving fans and family devastated.
In a heartfelt interview on the Ikigai Awakening podcast, shared on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, Lynn reflected on her ongoing grief and the ways her son still feels present in her life. Read More
