Cape Town – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has defended South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s controversial visit to Iran, despite backlash.
Following Maphwanya’s visit to Iran, the United States sought clarity on South Africa’s stance, prompting the government to emphasise that Maphwanya’s expressions of support for Iran were not officially sanctioned.
The EFF hit back at Washington’s request, denouncing it as arrogant.
“The EFF notes the recent reports that the US government has expressed ‘great concern’ and is demanding clarity from South Africa regarding the visit by the Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the party said in a statement.
“We reject with contempt, this arrogant posture by the United States, which presumes that South Africa owes it explanations for its sovereign diplomatic and military engagements. Equally, we are appalled by our government’s interference with the work of the military – this is a conduct unbecoming of a constitutional state.”
EFF Statement On The United States’ Interference In South Africa’s Relations With Iran And Ramaphosa’s Interference With The Military.
-South Africa must not succumb to bullying and intimidation from the United States. We must continue to engage freely with Iran and all other… pic.twitter.com/QP3hezrG20
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 21, 2025
The party insisted that South Africa is a sovereign nation free to form relations with any country, including Iran, now a BRICS member.
“South Africa is an independent nation and we reserve the right to pursue trade, eonomic, diplomatic and military relations with whoever we deem fit, including Iran,” the EFF said.
It said that the visit was planned before current US-Iran tensions and accused Washington of hypocrisy over its ties with Israel and Ukraine.
“This particular engagement with Iran was planned well before current tensions, dating back to 2024, and cannot be dismissed on the basis of temporary geopolitical disputes between the US and Iran.”
The EFF also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of cowardice for distancing himself from the trip to appease US President Donald Trump.
“This cowardly behaviour is consistent with what he displayed when he was in the Oval Office, unable to assert South Africa’s independence in the face of imperial arrogance. Ramaphosa’s actions expose a leadership that is timid and incapable of defending the dignity of our nation,” the EFF said.
The party argued that government interference undermines military independence and urged Maphwanya to resist political control.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu