The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Portfolio Committee on International Relations will hold a meeting with the Ministers of the associated departments on the recent remarks made by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya during his visit to Iran.

Maphwanya was quoted by Iranian State media pledging “common goals” with Iran, endorsing its stance on Gaza, and calling for deeper strategic alignment.

Political parties have since called for disciplinary action to be taken against him, with the Democratic Alliance calling for him to be court-martialled for what the party says is gross misconduct and a breach of the SANDF code of conduct.

Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans chairperson Dakota Legoete and Portfolio Committee on International Relations chairperson Supra Mahumapelo expressed concerns over Maphwanya’s comments, as well as a lack of coordination between defence diplomacy and South Africa’s official foreign policy.

“The chairpersons also note with alarm that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has publicly distanced itself from the General’s comments and that the Presidency called the visit ‘ill advised’,” a statement from the committees read.

It warned of misalignment in South Africa’s international relations and advised that the Department of Defence ensure future alignment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with SANDF leadership and the Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, on which Legoete said his committee awaited the outcome.

“These engagements must demonstrate unity, strength and synergy in how South Africa conducts itself on the international stage,” Legoete said, adding that the SANDF should be apolitical.