Defence responds to allegations over President’s instruction

The Department of Defence has responded to allegations that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instruction on how the so-called “Will for Peace 2026” exercise should be conducted may not have been followed, particularly with regard to the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to the statement, the President’s instruction was “clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon and to be implemented and adhered to as such.” The expectation was that this instruction would be implemented and adhered to throughout the exercise.

However, media reports and public observations have raised questions about whether Iran’s role in the exercise went beyond what was instructed, either because the instruction was “misrepresented and/or ignored” during execution. These concerns centre on whether Iranian naval vessels participated more actively than permitted, despite the agreed limitations.

Given the seriousness of these allegations, the Minister has established a Board of Inquiry (BOI). Its task is to establish the facts surrounding Iran’s participation and determine whether the President’s directive was not followed as issued. The BOI will report to the Minister within seven days after the conclusion of the exercise.

The outcome of the inquiry will have implications beyond this single exercise. If the instruction was misunderstood, it may point to weaknesses in communication and coordination within the defence establishment. Is the Department of Defence well organized? If it was ignored, it raises more serious questions about adherence to executive authority. Why would Iran allegedly ignore Mr. Ramaphosa?

The plot thickens, but in the meantime our attention is diverted from the tragedy of the replacement of the environment, our families and our different cultural traditions with technology and high-density development.

We will have to wait and see what transpires, but I would not hold my breath. South Africa is rapidly becoming weak and ineffective, a largely irrelevant player in both local and international affairs.