Board appointed to probe whether navy ignored Ramaphosa's Iran directive

A board of inquiry has been appointed following Iran’s participation in South Africa’s 'Will for Peace 2026' naval exercise, from which President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country should be excluded.

The Gulf nation's inclusion in the exercise has raised serious questions about civil-military command and accountability.

Concerns had already been raised that Iran’s involvement could harm South Africa’s international standing.

Earlier this month, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga announced an investigation into the exercise.

The inquiry is now tasked with establishing whether presidential authority was ignored.

Defence spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini explained: “The board of inquiry aims to investigate and report on the serious allegations that the President’s instructions may not have been carried out, misrepresented and or ignored regarding the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy during exercise ‘Will for Peace 2026’.

Military and aviation analyst Dean Wingrin said that the probe is likely to take some time.

"I think it's going to be a very long road indeed. The minister said three weeks ago that she had established a board of inquiry that was due to report back within seven days."

Three weeks later, the board is only now being constituted.

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Wingrin said that the seriousness of the matter is reflected in who has been appointed to lead the inquiry, which includes retired senior judges alongside a retired rear admiral.

"There's a strong judicial background on this board with a good degree of legal heft as well as some military background."

The problem with the board, said Wingrin, is that it has been constituted by the Minister of Defence.

"The minister is one of the people the President instructed to carry out the instruction, so I'm not sure if this board can now find against the person who formed the board."

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To listen to Wingrin in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below.