The South African International Relations and Cooperation Agency (DIRCO) is preparing to release a statement regarding Luzzani Mahwana, the chief of the South African Defence Force, who recently visited Iran.
According to reports, General Mahwanya’s trip to Iran this week was a show of solidarity against the United States.
This visit follows an attack that significantly hindered Iran’s unauthorized nuclear program and marked Iran’s defeat in the so-called “12-day war,” which was concluded with a ceasefire.
As noted by Tehran Times:
General Mahwanya delivered a message from the South African president and the Minister of Defense, stating, “We share a common objective for the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic. We will always stand with the oppressed and defenseless people of the world.”
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He stressed the strategic significance of Iran in the Persian Gulf and Western Asia, advocating for enhanced cooperation between the two sovereign nations.
In conclusion, he remarked that, considering their memberships in BRICS and their geopolitical positions, these visits signify their mutual desire for solidarity and unity.
These statements reflect South Africa’s growing antagonism toward the United States, which could potentially affect the country’s ability to remain within the framework of Africa’s Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and complicate sensitive trade negotiations. South Africa seems keen to eliminate the 30% tariff that was recently imposed by President Trump on South African exports.
DIRCO stated:
The Bureau of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is closely monitoring the recent media discussions regarding remarks made by General Rudzani Maphwanya of the South African Defence Force. It is crucial to clarify that the execution of South Africa’s foreign policy is governed by the presidency and is supported by DIRCO.
Consequently, statements made by individuals or divisions other than the head of foreign policy should not be considered the official viewpoint of the South African government. Thus, General Mahwanya’s comments do not represent the official foreign policy of the government.
Following this matter, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamora has sought further clarification.
However, there seems to be an ongoing issue in South Africa where the government and the ruling party have consistently expressed support for Iran, honoring Ayatollah while signing a “Pathetic Dol Book” in the name of the conflict.
