The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has come out in defence of its head General Rudzani Maphwanya, dismissing claims that he is defying Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga.

It pointed to news reports that alleged that Maphwanya had “vowed” to defy Motshekga in the matter of the reinstatement of an air force officer who was dismissed in 2019.

The Military Ombudsman had allegedly found the dismissal unlawful.

The SANDF said on Monday that the allegations were incorrect and misleading and said the SANDF did not publicise its members’ administrative matters.

“Secondly, the insinuation that the Chief of the SANDF is ‘defying’ or ‘giving the middle finger’ to the Minister is baseless and irresponsible. General Maphwanya remains fully committed to the constitutional authority of the Minister and is engaging the matter with the utmost respect and diligence,” it said.

Maphwanya, Motshekga and the Military Ombudsman are engaging on the matter, the SANDF said.

Maphwanya made headlines recently following a visit to Iran, where he was quoted by Iranian State media pledging “common goals” with Iran.

The US expressed “great concern” and was seeking clarity from the South African government.