A condemning of SA joint naval drills with Iran and China at Simon’s Town

The Referendum Party is a South African political party based in the Western Cape. It was formed out of necessity in late 2023 to help move us towards the moral goal of decentralization. After the South African government’s decision to host joint naval exercises with Iran and China at Simon’s Town from the 9-16th January, the Referendum Party released this press release that I think is worth publishing.

The Referendum Party (RP) condemns the South African government’s decision to host joint naval exercises with Iran and China at Simon’s Town from the 9-16th January, warning that this directly contradicts South Africa’s stated policy of non-alignment and further accelerates the country’s growing international isolation.

At a time of extreme geopolitical instability, the ANC government has chosen to associate South Africa militarily with authoritarian regimes that are either heavily sanctioned or in open confrontation with the West. This decision undermines South Africa’s security and further strains relations with key democratic partners in Europe and North America.

RP notes that the national government’s approach does not reflect the views of the Western Cape people. A 2025 poll commissioned by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) found that 63% of Western Cape voters favour closer relations with the EU and the US over China and Russia. This growing divergence between national foreign policy and Western Cape public opinion is becoming increasingly untenable.

The inclusion of Iran in these exercises is particularly reckless. Iran is currently experiencing widespread internal unrest against its authoritarian regime, with the US warning of potential military action should the situation deteriorate further. Hosting Iranian warships at this moment represents exceptionally poor judgement and exposes South Africa to unnecessary diplomatic and security risks.

RP Secretary-General Robert King said: “The docking of Chinese and Iranian warships at Simon’s Town symbolises the geopolitical importance of the Cape Sea Route, which will only attract greater attention as great powers project their influence more aggressively in the years ahead.”

RP believes the case for Cape Independence has never been stronger. In a period of escalating global instability, the Western Cape cannot remain bound to a national government whose foreign policy decisions have been disastrous almost every time. Only by controlling its own foreign policy can the Cape protect its economic interests, maintain constructive international relationships, and chart a responsible course through increasingly turbulent geopolitical waters.