South African Military “Defies Ramaphosa’s Orders” Twice in Six Months | Firstpost Africa

Tensions are escalating in Pretoria as President Cyril Ramaphosa faces serious questions regarding his authority over the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Reports indicate that the military defied direct presidential orders by allowing Iran to participate in the recent “Will for Peace 2026” BRICS naval exercises off the coast of Cape Town. This incident marks the second alleged instance of insubordination in six months, following the Army Chief’s controversial, unsanctioned visit to Tehran last August, where he pledged support to the Islamic Republic. The military’s defiance has triggered significant diplomatic fallout, with the United States sharply condemning South Africa for “cosying up” to Iran while it faces domestic unrest. As the government launches an inquiry to determine if the President’s directives were willfully ignored, concerns are mounting over the stability of South Africa’s chain of command and its deteriorating relationship with Washington.