Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has received an investigative report into allegations that his instructions to exclude Iran’s navy from South Africa’s Will for Peace 2026 naval exercise were ignored, but the findings will remain confidential for now.
According to The Citizen, the independent panel, chaired by retired judge Bernard Ngoepe, investigated the circumstances surrounding Iran’s participation in the China-led exercise, which involved South Africa, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa would consider the panel’s findings and recommendations. However, “due to national security considerations, the work of the Panel, including the report, remains confidential”.
The investigation followed controversy over the presence of three Iranian warships off False Bay in January, despite concerns that the president had instructed that Iran should withdraw from the drills.
Eyewitness News (EWN) reported that the inquiry was established to determine whether presidential instructions had been “misrepresented and or ignored” regarding Iran’s participation.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga had earlier maintained that the president’s instructions were clearly communicated to the relevant parties and were supposed to be implemented.
The controversy attracted international criticism, particularly from the United States, which warned that Iran’s participation could damage South Africa’s international standing and diplomatic relations.
Reuters reported that the Defence Ministry launched an inquiry in January to establish whether Ramaphosa’s instructions had been misrepresented or ignored.
The investigation has also raised questions about accountability and civilian control over the military. In reporting by DefenceWeb, Democratic Alliance MP Chris Hattingh questioned whether the findings would be made public and called for accountability over the handling of the presidential directive.
The report’s submission marks a key development in a controversy that has tested South Africa’s stated non-aligned foreign policy and raised questions about whether presidential instructions were properly implemented.
Ramaphosa is expected to determine what action, if any, should follow after considering the panel’s recommendations.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
