Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office says he instructed Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to ensure Iran withdrew from the China-led “Will for Peace 2026” naval drills held in False Bay, Western Cape.
The instruction followed international concern, particularly from the United States, over the presence of Iranian warships in South African waters.
Despite this, confusion arose after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) posted — and later deleted — a statement confirming that an Iranian corvette had participated in the sea-phase of the exercise.
In response, Motshekga said she had clearly communicated the president’s directive and has now appointed a board of inquiry to investigate whether the instruction was ignored.
“The Minister of Defence, Hon Angie Motshekga, would like to place it on record that the instruction was clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon and to be implemented and adhered to as such,” a statement read.
Media Statement || Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans || Republic of South Africa, Friday, 16 January 2026 || Allegations regarding the instruction by the President on how to conduct Exercise WILL FOR PEACE 2026.#MODMV#SANDF#JointOperationsDivision pic.twitter.com/x3ClXeE0J1
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) January 16, 2026
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stressed that the drills were facilitated and led by China, which handled invitations to BRICS countries, including Iran.
South Africa, he said, merely agreed to participate and allow the use of its waters.
“It is important to first note that these navy drills were facilitated and led by China, not South Africa. The invitations to participating BRICS countries were managed by China. South Africa agreed to participate and to the use of its waters,” Magwenya said, according to The Citizen.
“The Minister of Defence issued a statement clarifying her position. Hence, she has instituted a board of inquiry. The instruction from the President and the subsequent discussions that followed and the agreement with all concerned parties was that Iran was no longer going to participate in the drills.”
He added that stating China led the drills was a matter of fact, not an attempt to shift blame.
The board of inquiry will examine what happened between Ramaphosa’s instruction and the start of the exercise.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy criticised South Africa for allowing Iranian warships to participate, accusing Pretoria of supporting Iran despite its crackdown on anti-government protesters.
And permitting Iranian military forces to operate in South African waters — or going to Tehran and expressing solidarity — isn’t ‘non-alignment’: it’s choosing to stand with a regime that brutally represses its people and engages in terrorism.
— US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) January 15, 2026
“Iran is a destabilising actor and state sponsor of terror, and its inclusion in joint exercises in any capacity undermines maritime security and regional stability,” the embassy said, adding that it was “unconscionable” for South Africa to welcome Iranian forces while Tehran is accused of repressing peaceful protestors.
“South Africa can’t lecture the world on ‘justice’ while cosying up to Iran,” a statement read.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
