Cape Town – The leader of Rise Mzansi Songezo Zibi has demanded for the removal of the Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, after she defended the South African Defence Force chief, Rudzani Maphwanya.
This comes after Maphwanya’s remarks and controversial visit to Iran, which drew heavy scrutiny amid allegations that it was undertaken without President Cyril Ramaphosa’s knowledge, with some even calling for him to be court-martialed.
He was quoted in Iranian media condemning the war efforts of the US and Israel after meeting with Major General Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army.
“In the 12-day imposed war, South Africa’s resolute stance in condemning the Zionist regime and the United States was courageous and commendable,” said Maphwanya according to Islamic Republic News Agency.
According to The Citizen, and in contrast to widespread criticism, Motshekga voiced support for Maphwanya, insisting that the trip was appropriate.
“It’s a coincidence that it [the trip] coincides with the tensions between Iran and the US and that we are negotiating on tariffs.
Reports further allege that she had approved the defence chief’s visit to Iran last year, prior to the country’s hostile fallout with the United States.
“This invitation is from last year. I sanctioned it last year. The event was postponed, and they then communicated back to say let’s continue,” she said.
However, Zibi stood firm in his stance, arguing that Maphwanya had undermined the Union Buildings and accusing Motshekga of failing to take accountability, calling both out for operating beyond their boundaries.
“The general was out of line. If my name were Cyril Ramaphosa, I would tell him he’s retiring on 31 December and someone is taking over on 1 January, and name that person,” said Zibi.
He added Motshekga is “spineless” and that she refuses to handle the situation and his wrong in doing so.
“She herself is wrong, and if I were the president, I would also dismiss her as defence minister due to unsuitability and having zero strategic awareness, like the general, who has zero strategic awareness and diplomatic maturity, who thinks he is a politician when he is not,” said Zibi.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
