Retired Judge Bernard MakgaboNgope will chair a Department of Defence board of inquiry into Iran’s navy participation in the “Will for Peace 2026” exercise. Picture: X/@Constitution_94 The Department of Defence has set up a board of inquiry to investigate the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy’s participation in the “Wills for Peace” naval exercise, led by China and held in South Africa, despite a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa instructing Iran to withdraw. Iran’s participation in the drills, which included China and Russia, was heavily criticised amid that country’s clampdown on anti-government protesters.
Among the loudest critics were the United States, which has been in open hostilities with Iran. The US Embassy slammed the South African government over the debacle. On Wednesday, 12 days afterDefence Minister Angie Motshekga announced that a board of inquirywould report back within “seven days”, she appointed three judges and a rear admiral to chair the probe.
The board includes Judge Bernard Ngoepe, Judge Mashangu Monica Leeuw, Judge Kathleen Margaret “Kathie” Satchwell and Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) (rtd) Patrick “Lucky” Tamsanqa Duze. Ramaphosa reportedly issued a directive for Iran withdraw from the navy drill following a warning from the US that Iran’s participation andthe presence of three Iranian warships off False Baycould harm South Africa’s international standing. particularly from the US, and also raising concerns about political costs for the country.
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“The aim of the Board of Inquiry is to investigate and report on the serious allegations that the President’s instructions may not have been carried out, misrepresented and or ignored regarding the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy during Exercise Will for Peace 2026,” said Defence Department spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini. “In the endeavour to ensure transparency and full independence, consultation with the identified members of the board took longer than expected, thus impacting the deadline as set.” The department has yet to make the board’s terms of reference public.
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