South African general’s unapproved visit to Iran may signal complex US relations

The move, which did not receive government backing, has drawn sharp criticism from members of South Africa’s governing coalition, who described the visit as “reckless grandstanding.”

The row comes as South Africa navigates tense relations with the US, which has taken exception to the country’s ties with Iran, Russia, and its strong affiliation with BRICS.

According to Iranian media outlet WANA News Agency, Iran’s Chief of Staff, Major General Mousavi, condemned what he called the crimes of the Israeli regime in the region—particularly genocide in Gaza—and praised South Africa’s decision to file and pursue a genocide case against Israel at the International Criminal Court.

General Maphwanya noted that the two countries shared common goals and always stood “alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world,” according to the Iranian publication Tehran Times.

He also criticised Israel over the ongoing war in Gaza, reiterating support for the Palestinian people and telling officials his visit “carries a political message” from Ramaphosa’s administration as per The BBC

The South African government, however, has denied authorising these comments.

According to the South African Defence Department, the general’s statement was “unfortunate,” while the Foreign Affairs Ministry said they “do not represent the government’s official foreign policy stance.”

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