The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday demanded that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya be immediately court-martialled for what the party says is gross misconduct and an alleged breach of the SANDF code of conduct, following Maphwanya‘s recent pronouncements in Tehran, in Iran.

The party said it will formally demand that Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga instruct the adjutant general to initiate proceedings, saying South Africa’s national security, diplomatic standing and constitutional order depend on it.

This after Maphwanya was quoted by Iranian State media pledging “common goals” with Iran, endorsing its stance on Gaza, and calling for deeper strategic alignment.

DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans Chris Hattingh said Maphwanya went beyond his constitutional and professional mandate, calling his utterances “reckless political freelancing” and part of a “wider pattern of foreign policy adventurism”.

The party believes his comments could negatively affect South Africa’s economy and diplomacy.

“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.

“From alienating key democratic allies to embracing authoritarian regimes under sanctions, this approach is steadily eroding trade, investment, and security partnerships essential to our country’s stability and prosperity,” stated Hattingh.

He accused the Department of Defence and Motshekga of silence on the matter.

However, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Ministry of Defence have publicly distanced government from Maphwanya’s remarks, confirming they do not reflect official policy.

The Defence Ministry clarified that matters of the country's foreign policy and international relations are the sole prerogative of the President and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco).

“The Department of Defence and Military Veterans does not make political or policy decisions on international relations. It is unfortunate that political and policy statements were reportedly made during the meeting between general Ruddazi Maphwanya, chief of the SANDF and the Iran Defence Force Leadership,” the Ministry said.

Motshekga will be engaging with Maphwanya when he returns.

Hattingh claimed that under the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act, Maphwanya’s conduct is a military offence punishable by dismissal or cashiering.

“The only appropriate response is an immediate court-martial to restore discipline, reaffirm the SANDF’s apolitical character, and send a clear message that no one, regardless of rank, is above the Constitution or the law,” he stated.