The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has defended the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief’s recent visit to Iran, after the trip drew criticism and a request for clarification from the United States.
The South African government stated that General Rudzani Maphwanya’s expressions of solidarity with Iran were unauthorized. The EFF strongly rejected the US’s request for an explanation, calling it arrogant, and accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of cowardice for distancing the government from the visit.
The EFF argued that South Africa is a sovereign nation with the right to form its own military and economic relationships, including with fellow BRICS member Iran. The party stated that the engagement was planned well before recent geopolitical tensions and should not be dismissed because of a dispute between the US and Iran.
The party also accused the US of hypocrisy in its own foreign policy regarding Israel and Ukraine.
The EFF was highly critical of President Ramaphosa, suggesting he was downplaying the Iran visit to appease US President Donald Trump. They described his behavior as “timid” and claimed it showed an inability to defend South Africa’s independence. The party further stated that the SANDF chief should resist political interference in military matters.