Calls mount for consequences for those involved in Iran's naval participation

Calls are mounting for accountability and consequences for those who allegedly defied President Cyril Ramaphosa’s orders over Iran’s participation in naval drills off the coast of Cape Town.

The calls come as the Defence Ministry sets out to establish how Ramaphosa’s instructions that Iran be relegated to observer status were not followed during the BRICS military exercise last week.

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Naval drills are an opportunity to be familiar and train with the country’s allies.

According to the Sunday papers, Navy chief Musa Lobese and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga may be in hot water for what’s now become another diplomatic storm.

After Iran participated in Exercise Will for Peace in False Bay last week, the United States (US) flagged its involvement criticising the country for allowing Iran’s participation.

On Friday, the Defence Ministry set up a board of inquiry, reportedly to investigate how Ramaphosa’s orders that Iran be relegated to an observer were ignored.

At the same time, opposition parties are demanding answers, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) calling for an urgent debate in Parliament and ActionSA also calling for a parliamentary probe and has rejected the board of inquiry.

The Institute for Security Studies' Timothy Walker believes there must be consequences.

“If nothing is done in terms of investigation and effectively punishment, then that also sends another message that South Africa is not taking these things very seriously and that is something we absolutely cannot afford to be doing.”

The defence minister has given the board of inquiry seven days from Friday to submit a report.