On May 21, 2025, the then president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, led an African Union delegation to the White House. Their stated aim was to “reset relations” with the United States when President Donald Trump came into office. This trip is particularly well-timed as Ramaphosa attempts to repair rushed diplomatic relations and restore regular bilateral trade. Against this backdrop, Rudzani Maphwanya, the army chief selected by Ramaphosa in 2021, has come under attack. His recent comments supporting closer ties with Iran have caused a stir.
The delegation’s visit aimed to address economic challenges exacerbated by a 30 percent tariff on South African goods entering the US, imposed as part of Trump’s reciprocal tariff policies. On the ground, Ramaphosa’s administration is seen to be getting things done. Their goal is to provide some much needed relief to local manufacturers and exporters affected by these tariffs. Among the biggest proposals introduced was South Africa’s offer to buy $8 billion in US liquefied natural gas. In exchange, they promise to invest $3.3 billion in U.S. industries and negotiate tariff reductions.
Ramaphosa’s government has been on the backfoot ever since reclusive billionaire Elon Musk accused it of persecuting whites in South Africa. During his first address to the joint session of Congress, the president was right to insist that there is no data to indicate that white people are being targeted.
Diplomatic Efforts with the United States
Cyril Ramaphosa’s hosting by Donald Trump at the Oval Office was in many important ways a high point of South African diplomacy. In this meeting, Ramaphosa reiterated the need to develop a win-win trade relationship. His administration just announced plans to fortify the fluttering financial connections. Those issue-specific tensions were exacerbated during the administration of President Joe Biden, underscoring the importance of this goal.
Ramaphosa stated, “We are in the delicate process of resetting political relations with the US, but more importantly, balancing the trade relationship in such a manner that the trade relationship is mutually beneficial.” Not surprisingly, such comments are emblematic of his commitment to improving bilateral relations while walking a tightrope of complex global geopolitical interests.
In addition to economic discussions, Ramaphosa’s government is managing the fallout from a 2022 scandal involving a sanctioned Russian cargo ship, the Lady R, that docked at Simon’s Town Naval Base. This incident has really put a wrench into South Africa’s intangibly complicated international standing and state of rebuilding trust with Western nations.
Controversy Surrounding Army Chief’s Remarks
General Rudzani Maphwanya’s statement during his recent trip to Iran is indeed shocking. They have sparked opposition and opened up important discussions around the idea of military neutrality. In particular, Maphwanya spoke of the SAFTU union’s solidarity with Iran. He noted the countries’ close history, as Iran supported South Africa’s fight against apartheid and they now work together towards “common goals”.
“The Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran have common goals. We always stand alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world.” – General Rudzani Maphwanya
Jakkie Cilliers, a prominent scholar and public intellectual on security and foreign policy affairs, recently noted. He noted the unfortunate timing of Maphwanya’s comments, particularly given today’s increased global geopolitical tensions. Cilliers noted that these statements really could not have been worse timed. They continue to threaten South Africa’s fragile diplomatic efforts.
Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau had echoed these fears. He had the most reason to know that the comments were reckless, given how finely balanced international relations are right now. He cautioned against overreach during this time of heightened geopolitical tensions. He emphasized that Maphwanya needed to take greater care with his statements when making them public.
Political Repercussions and Military Neutrality
The remarks by General Maphwanya have been met with fierce rebuke across South Africa’s political spectrum, perhaps signaling an awakening to democratic norms. Even the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party strongly condemned his statements. They claimed that his actions went beyond his constitutional mission and threatened to destroy civilian control of the military.
“Such political statements are explicitly prohibited for serving officers, violate the SANDF’s duty of political neutrality, and undermine the constitutional principle of civilian control over the military.” – The DA party
To its credit, the Defence Ministry moved swiftly to douse this backlash. Minister of Defence Matsie Angelina Motshekga indicates that she will discuss the matter with Maphwanya when he returns from Iran. Such engagement goes a long way to reassure nervous congressional and public audiences concerned about military personnel making politically charged statements at sensitive times during active diplomacy.
Furthermore, Parks Tau reiterated the need for careful diplomacy. “At this period of heightened geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East, one can say the visit was ill-advised.” He highlighted the need for the military to maintain political neutrality in their ranks in order to support South Africa’s wider diplomatic goals. This time, it is through military means.
