Rise Mzansi's Zibi wants 'spineless' Motshekga dismissed for defending 'rogue' SANDF chief Maphwanya
SANDF chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, has come under fire over his controversial trip to Iran, where he reportedly urged stronger military ties between South Africa and the Middle Eastern nation.
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi briefed the media on recent political developments, reflecting on the party's role in the Government of National Unity on 18 August 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said Defence Minister Angie Motshekga should be dismissed for defending what he called the "rogue" South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief, Rudzani Maphwanya.
Maphwanya has come under fire over his controversial trip to Iran, where he reportedly urged stronger military ties between South Africa and the Middle Eastern nation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa believes Maphwanya's remarks risk straining Pretoria's diplomatic relations with Washington.
Rise Mzansi raised the matter during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday.
While Ramaphosa is displeased with the SANDF chief's remarks, Motshekga has come to his defence.
It's understood that Motshekga authorised Maphwanya’s visit to Iran last year, before South Africa was in the bad books of the United States.
READ: Rise Mzansi's Zibi slams 'ill-disciplined' SANDF chief over Iran trip
Zibi maintains that, regardless of the context, Maphwanya should not have made statements that could undermine the Union Buildings' efforts to stabilise ties with the White House.
"That Angie is spineless and does not want to deal with the issue. It does not mean she’s correct; she is wrong. If I were the president, I would also dismiss her as defence minister due to unsuitability and having zero strategic awareness, just like the general."
Zibi said the president should not drag his feet in holding the SANDF chief accountable.