Rise Mzansi's Zibi slams 'ill-disciplined' SANDF chief over Iran trip
FILE: General Rudzani Maphwanya addressed the annual global commemoration of the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers in De Brug Army Base in Bloemfontein on 29 May 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has lashed out at South African National Defence Force chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, calling him ill-disciplined and out of line.
This follows Maphwanya's controversial trip to Iran, where he reportedly co-signed stronger military cooperation between Pretoria and Tehran.
His unauthorised visit to the country has not landed well with the president, as it risks worsening diplomatic relations with the United States.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Zibi said Maphwanya undermined government's ongoing effort to fix its turbulent relationship with the United States.
"Why would he do that? There is a feeling by South Africans that he is a general and he should be allowed to say anything. Nonsense! He is ill-disciplined, and he must be fired. It’s not the first time the defence forces have gone rogue."
READ: Presidency says action will be taken against SANDF's Maphwanya over his Iran comments
He said Maphwanya has overstepped his authority.
"Army officers are not supposed to make political statements at all. What the general said in Iran can be said by Angie Motshekga, not him. The U.S and Iran are enemies. What this general do? He goes there and runs his mouth because he has no strategic awareness whatsoever."
Although Maphwanya is set to retire in December, calls for his dismissal have been growing louder by the day.