The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Ministry of Defence have distanced themselves from South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s pledge to Iran.
Maphwanya reportedly pledged solidarity with Iran when he met with Major General Amir Hatami, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Army, and other senior members in Tehran this week.
DIRCO, DEFENCE MINISTRY DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM SANDF CHIEF RUDZANI MAPHWANYA’S UTTERANCES
According to Jewish publication The Algemeiner, during a joint media briefing, Maphwanya called for deeper ties between Iran and South Africa, especially in defence cooperation, affirming that South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran have common goals.
“We always stand alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world,” he was quoted as saying.
In response, DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said it is crucial to clarify that the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy is a function of the Presidency, supported by DIRCO.
Phiri said, consequently, any statements made by an individual or a department other than those responsible for foreign policy should not be misinterpreted as the official position of the South African Government.
“The remarks attributed to General Maphwanya, therefore, do not represent the government’s official foreign policy stance.
“In response to this matter, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola will be seeking further clarification,” he said.
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