The presence of three Iranian warships off False Bay has drawn international attention to South Africa, particularly from the U.S.. The vessels were part of the weeklong “Will for Peace 2026” naval drills held in False Bay in the Western Cape, which were facilitated and led by China. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said last Friday that the president had instructed Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to ensure Iran withdrew from the week-long exercises.
Motshekga said she had relayed Ramaphosa’s instructions regarding the military exercises in False Bay and had appointed a board of inquiry to determine whether they were ignored. The board of inquiry will look at what transpired from the time the instruction was given by Ramaphosa, via Motshekga, to the start of the exercise. Witnessreaders shared their thoughts on the controversy on Facebook: Terry-Lee Heuer:This cannot be real!
Doesn’t a president and the relevant minister sign off on something as serious as this? Once again we have a surprised president and a “I don’t have a clue” minister. Arthur Bertram:What’s to enquire about?
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You chose to engage in military excercise a with a sworn enemy of your biggest trading partner and the largest economy on the planet. It’s hardly nuanced.
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