African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has defended South Africa’s participation in the recent BRICS Plus naval exercises, which included Iran, amid growing international scrutiny.
Mbalula said the naval drills were not initiated by South Africa, but formed part of a broader BRICS-led initiative driven by China, with South Africa merely providing a platform for the exercise.
Criticism from the US
According to the SABC, his remarks follow criticism from the United States and confirmation by the Department of Defence that an inquiry is underway to determine whether President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instructions regarding Iran’s participation were correctly implemented.
Despite the concerns, government has maintained that no diplomatic or security protocols were breached during the exercises.
Mbalula explained that Iran’s involvement was addressed through the appropriate diplomatic channels and emphasised that South Africa acted within established procedures.
“These drills are not South Africa’s. South Africa was just availing its platform to allow BRICS countries to conduct the exercise,” Mbalula said.
He added that although Iran joined the drills, the matter was resolved at the level of diplomatic and security protocols.
‘Did nothing wrong’
Fikile Mbalula further stated that briefings from military leadership confirmed that South Africa’s defence officials acted appropriately, insisting that the country’s generals “did nothing wrong”.
Iran is a member of the expanded BRICS grouping, which has increasingly drawn international attention as the bloc deepens military, economic and political cooperation.
The Defence Ministry’s inquiry is expected to clarify whether executive directives were followed, while government continues to assert that South Africa’s participation aligns with its non-aligned foreign policy stance.
